All Forum Posts by: Dan Moberly

I'm surprised no one mentioned Zillow. I've used them the last several times and it's run like clockwork. They do credit check, criminal and eviction checks. The only add-on I need to do is to get the applicants' SS#s and drivers licenses after they are approved to help in court and if there's ever a judgement. Of course I do my own additional screening beyond what Zillow tells me. For example, researching them on social media, checking for them in my state's court records, calling past landlords, etc.

I've always done first month's rent plus security equal to one month's rent. I've told applicants I reserve the right to raise the deposit to 1.5x or 2x rent if there are issues with their credit but I've always never exercised that option.

I can see that someday… renting luxury properties in scenic locations and moving when I get bored. Having leased out a few properties this past summer though I see the stress in my market at least. So many renters and so few properties doesn’t sound like an ideal situation to put oneself in, but I’m not sure about the high end of the market. 

 This is what I was thinking... I make lower w-2 income right now, I only have 3 rentals now, and I'm not a REP right now. I'm planning to hold long term but things might change. I'll be making good w-2 income in a few years, may become a REP at some point and plan on purchasing more rentals but the savings don't seem like the cost/time would be worth it.

 Right is right whether you're a landlord or a former tenant. I don't know the original story, but if a judge and an appeals court issued and upheld a judgement against someone, I don't see the harm in helping the other party. The whole idea of "giving landlords a bad name" is what I'm thinking about here.