All Forum Posts by: Jenifer Kynor

Hi Benjamin,

My recommendation would be to get on all of the major listing sites; Zillow, Trulia, Rent.com, Apartments.com, etc. Keep using craigslist as well. The more you're on, the more eyes on it and leads you'll receive! 

I'll reach out to you with a few more suggestions! 

Hi Izabella, 

My company provides online applications for independent landlords and we do require credit card information for the sole purpose of the tenant paying an application fee. When they fill out the application, they pay for the screening report to be run on themselves. That way the landlords can quickly have all of the information they need to make a decision on that particular applicant. Their personal information (credit card and social security number) is not shared with the landlord. This protects both sides through the application process. I'm sure that may be what you are seeing. 

This is precisely why I believe online applications are a much safer alternative to paper applications. If you were to require a paper application, all of this sensitive information is in your hands where it can get lost of stolen. We've seen lots of tenants fear this and move towards preferring online applications. As long as your online application is coming from a safe and reputable company, you have nothing to fear. 

Does this answer your question? Please reach out if there is anything I can do!

Jenifer

Hi Shawn,

The best thing you can do is market EVERYWHERE. It seems like a lot of work, but there are online services out there with marketing syndication features, and send your listing to lots of major sites. Definitely utilize Zillow, Trulia, Apartments.com, rent.com, etc. Craigslist is another site you'll want to make sure you are on. The more your sites your on, the more eyes on your property and the more leads you'll generate. Make sure your screening process is very thorough, your listing is detailed, priced accurate, and you have great pictures.  With all of those things, you shouldn't have a problem finding a tenant! 

I hope this helps! 

Hi Taz,

I agree with Eddie, unfortunately you may not see that money. It's just such a lesson on the importance of screening and good judgement on the character of your tenant. The best thing you can do is just start looking for a  new tenant. My best advice can just be to try to do even more than last time through the screening process. Pre-screen, do a full background, credit and eviction report, call previous, employers, etc. Use your best judgement but it may be even better to increase the qualifications for approval in your rental. 

Good luck in the future and I hope this is the first and last time something like that happens!   

Jeni

Hi Mary,

When I worked in student housing, the leases were  mid-August to July 31st. The only way to get out of the lease was to find a sublease, so you're always guaranteed the full 12 months. Students in dorms, moving to the area, etc took over the leases for students who didn't want to stay in the summer, but it was tenants responsibility to always find a sublease, and they were charged $250 to move out early, and $50 to turn the unit. 

 The payments were also broken up into "12 equal installments" rather than 11 1/2 months for rent. 

We didn't require a large security deposit, just had "move out charges" upon move out, which I did not completely agree with, because of the disputes, but overall most students or parents paid. 

This was in Fort Collins, Colorado. I hope this helps. 

Hi Ryan, 

There are online applications available that have all the questions you need answered to make an educated decision. Some online applications also allow you to customize your application by adding questions you feel belong in your application. 

That's the best way to do it! 

I went ahead and sent you a direct message. 

Hi Loren, 

It all just depends on your needs. What are the main features you are looking for? 

Hi Eric,

Make sure you have a written set of criteria. This ensures you have have a fair method for choosing a tenant. You are supposed to choose the first qualified tenant that applies and to go in order of the applications received. 

Do you plan on using an online applications? It's a lot safer way to store tenant's personal information. I see a lot more tenants shy away from filling out paper applications. That may really help! 

Hi Andrew!

Luckily, there are some awesome online resources available to assist independent landlords. Utilizing these can really help manage your property while keeping the property filled with qualified tenants. 

Try to familiarize yourself with what is out there!

Good luck!