All Forum Posts by: Jenifer Kynor

Hi Paul! 

I worked in student housing, and we required 12 month leases starting in August and going through July 31st. In our lease agreements, we required the tenants to find a subleaser to get out of their lease so there are no vacancies during summer months. 

The apartments were pretty damaged for more than half our units the two years I worked in turnover. Less than half of students would sign the lease for a second year. 

Since cosigners are normally required for students, since they aren't meeting the income requirements, we rarely had issues with late payments. 

I hope this helps out! 

Hi Jacob,

I'll go ahead and direct message you. 

Law Depot has state-specific leases. 

Hi Kate, 

Immediately start posting your property on different listing sites. There are online services that will take care of all of your marketing needs for you.  Have you considered hiring someone to just show the property or have anyone you know in DC that would? It may take a little weight off your shoulders as you scramble to find a new tenant. 

Although winter is a harder time to lease out a property it's still possible. People are always moving, there are military bases, job changes, etc. You'll find something! 

Good luck! 

I definitely recommend scannable. It's an app on your phone. Have them print, sign, and use scannable to email it back to you. 

Hi Jill, 

I will go ahead and send you a direct message. 

Hi Brian!

Paper applications are in the past! Have you considered using a software that includes both the screening and online application features? 

It sounds like the costs incurred from replacing the tenant are well worth it. You should not have to be chasing your tenant down for rent every single month without even receiving late fees. Look for a new tenant, it is not worth the headache. 

Hi Sean, 

Managing a property yourself isn't too bad if you are utilizing the right online tools! What are you specifically looking for in an online service?

The best thing to do is have clear written qualifications set out. This will help and make sure you are staying consistent. Your criteria should cover employment, income, credit, criminal, and evictions. You just want to be careful so you'll never be accused of denying someone if you approved someone else in that same circumstance.  If it does help, when working as a loan specialist, all we needed was proof of income to approve a loan. It did not matter how long they were at their job. That may put you a little at ease for your prospective tenant only working at her job for two months. I don't think that should be too big of a concern.  

Follow your gut and trust your instincts. This is a big investment, and you do not want to rent to someone you are not comfortable with. Just make sure you stay consistent! You don't want to take any chances just because they are a family friend. 

Good luck and I hope this helps,

Jenifer