How to Find and Keep Good Tenants

Talk to any landlord and they’ll have a tenant horror story to tell – myself included!  When you get into the rental property business, tenants are one of the most important factors to consider.  Not only will they be looking after your property for you, they will also be paying it off and ultimately building your wealth in real estate.  Your ability to attract and keep good tenants will determine whether your rental property business will be a success or a failure so it’s important to know the basics.

ADVERTISING

Writing a detailed advertisement has two purposes.  It allows you to describe all of the benefits of your property and is also the first step in describing the type of tenant you are looking for. You can be clear about whether you allow smoking, whether you allow pets, the amount of rent and damage deposit expected and the length of lease term you are looking for.  With all of this information available in the ad, you have already narrowed the field to prospective tenants that potentially fit your profile.

SCREENING

Screening is your second line of defense and the most important step in weeding out bad tenants.  When a prospective tenant calls me, I have a list of questions that I ask immediately.  If their answers to these questions are favorable, I set up a viewing time to see the property.  If they are interested in renting from me, I take things to the second and most important step; filling out the Application Form.  This signed form is invaluable as it covers their personal information, their employment history, their financial status and their rental history.  The form also allows you to call previous landlords, call credit references, call personal references, conduct a credit check and a criminal record check.  If a prospective tenant is not willing to sign the Application Form and provide me with access to this information, I do not rent to them.

Screening is an important first step for landlords and it also sets the tone for tenants as well.  It portrays you as someone who is organized, diligent and someone who takes their business seriously.

RELATIONSHIP

When you have completed your initial screening and decided which tenants will be moving in to your property, the rest of the relationship is up to you.  You may have found the best tenants in the world but they won’t stay with you if you don’t live up to being a good landlord.  A good landlord/tenant relationship involves many aspects but here are the most important things to remember:

When tenants are moving in, have a landlord checklist ready so that you don’t miss anything.  Some examples are signing the Lease, getting the locks changed, going through the Accommodation Inspection Report, getting post dated checks, preparing a Tenant Binder and putting together a Tenant Basket to welcome them to your property.

Throughout the tenancy it is important that you are always available when contacted.  If a tenant calls with a request or repair that needs attention, always respond in a timely manner.  Keeping your property in good repair let’s the tenant know that you expect the same from them and also gives them a sense of security about where they live.  Stopping in at prearranged times gives you peace of mind that the property is being looked after.  Giving small gifts at holiday times and lease renewals also goes a long way to making the tenant feel appreciated.

The law of attraction is always at work in every aspect of your life and the landlord/tenant relationship is no different.  Be a great landlord and you will attract and keep good tenants!

Finding and keeping great tenants is just a piece of your rental property business.  If you would like more information, there is a comprehensive e-book on the subject available on my website.