All Forum Posts by: Jenifer Kynor

Looking For A Better Way To Screen Tenants? 

TurboTenant is revolutionizing the rental process by providing savvy landlords with cutting-edge technology that’s intuitive, powerful, and designed to save landlords time and increase profits. Landlording is not something to fear. We believe that every property owner should have the tools to manage their properties easily.

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TurboTenant’s online application is fully integrated with our tenant screening reports, giving you a full picture of potential renters. Through a partnership with TransUnion, TurboTenant provides full credit, criminal, and eviction history reports on every applicant so you can better decide who the right tenants for your property are.

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All of the landlords I know will change their mind to whether or not like being a landlord, based off of their tenants at the time! If you have responsible, qualified, and clean tenants of course you'll love your role as landlord. That's why finding your tenants and screening is SO SO SO important. A lot of landlords unfortunately are more worried about filling their vacancy rather than patiently waiting for a qualified tenant, or marketing non-stop until they find qualified leads.

There is a lot of work involved I think a lot of landlords don't take into consideration. However, if you are knowledgeable of the tasks involved and utilize the tools available to you, I think being a landlord has many more pro's than it does cons. 

I agree with @Mark, you can have a  standard application so each applicant, no matter the property they are applying for, will be in compliance. There are online applicants that you are able to customize and ask additional questions that make that easier on you. 

Another thing you can do in advance is write up your criteria for an applicant. This can include your income requirements, minimum credit score for an approval, pets/no pets, etc. That way you have a clear understanding of the type of applicant you are looking for. This also helps in the incident you have to deny an applicant and are accused of discriminating in any way. As long as you follow those guidelines with every applicant you should be fine! 

Please reach out with any questions!

Hi Kristi!

Pre-screening is very important. Make sure before you start advertising your property you write out your specific list of criteria for an applicant to be approved. This can include pets vs. no pets, a minimum credit score, income requirements, etc. In the phone conversations pre-screen as much as possible! This will reduce the amount of showings you have to waste your time on for unqualified applicants. 

I'm also assuming more applicants would wish to attend a showing before applying. This is another opportunity to pre-screen. One trick I've heard is walking applicants to their car, this will give you a better idea of how they treat their property, and how well maintained they would potentially keep your rental. 

After the pre-screening and showing is when I'm sure applicants would feel the most comfortable applying. This is when they would pay their application fee, so you can conduct a screening. Background checks and credit checks are very important! Also, do not forget about eviction reports! Another important part of screening is calling previous landlords and place of employment. The more you put into your screening process, the less likely you'll have an irresponsible or non-paying tenant. 

 It sounds like you're on a good path! Good luck! As for leases, there are online resources. Make sure you are able to find  a lease that is specific to your city and state. Good luck!

Please reach out with any questions! 

Done!

This is awesome!!  Congratulations!

What's In Your Landlord Toolbox? 

TurboTenant is revolutionizing the rental process by providing savvy landlords with cutting-edge technology that’s intuitive, powerful, and designed to save landlords time and increase profits. Landlording is not something to fear, which is why we believe that every property owner should have the tools to manage their properties easily.

Every landlord out there has a toolbox, metaphorically speaking of course. TurboTenant’s Landlord Toolbox was created to give landlords the digital tools they need to be successful like digital forms, rental estimate reports, state specific resources, a proration calculator and much more!

                                                                 Check out our Landlord Toolbox today!

From Rental Marketing to a customizable Online Rental Application with integrated Tenant Screening including credit, criminal and eviction reports, TurboTenant has it all, in one free and easy-to-use platform. Start managing your properties the Turbo way and find better tenants today!

Experience how much easier being a landlord can be when you use TurboTenant!

Hi Kristina! 

There are many pros to applicants completing their rental application online. All of their personal information is on a secure site rather than on a sheet of paper that could get lost of stolen. We've seen tenants prefer the online method because of this reason. It's also a one stop shop! To be able to view an application and complete their screening together takes away a lot of the waiting and hassle of obtaining the applicant's information and consent to run the screening. This is because the applicant will pay for their screening report when they complete their application. 

Screening is by far the most important part of protecting your investment. Make sure the screening report you use contains a full background check, comprehensive credit report, and eviction report. The more information you have the make an educated decision the better! 

Utilizing these online tools also are a lot more professional.  Everything you need is one place and its easily accessible to the applicants.  There are also a lot of other valuable tools you can find when using online property software. Marketing, rental documents, renters insurance, etc.

In the student housing I rented at, the amenities were amazing and looking back I realize that's how they got away with charging us so much in rent! (Which I was completely okay with)

I had a washer/dryer in our unit (most student housing and dorms have a shared laundry facility.) Cable and internet was "included" in the rent, and the living rooms already had a nice sized TV that the unit came with which was a nice touch. Each tenant paid an extra 25 dollars a month for furniture. The furniture included couches, bar stools, and a basic bedroom set. Parking is also important and having guest parking available! 

Microwaves, dishwashers, anything to save the students money initially and that are more convenient are worth including as well. Looking back, the more amenities that were "included in the rent" rather than offered separately seemed much more convenient and worth paying the higher rent prices. 

Get The Tools You Need To Be A Successful Landlord. 

TurboTenant is revolutionizing the rental process by providing savvy landlords with cutting-edge technology that’s intuitive, powerful, and designed to save landlords time and increase profits. Landlording is not something to fear, which is why we believe that every property owner should have the tools to manage their properties easily.

Knowing how to price your rental is crucial to finding great tenants quickly. With TurboComp Rent Estimates you’ll get valuable insight on what comparable rental properties are going for in your area and stay up-to-date on market trends. Get your price right from the start and fill your vacancies with better tenants easily!

Get a TurboComp Rent Estimate Report Today!!

From Rental Marketing to a customizable Online Rental Application with integrated Tenant Screening including credit, criminal and eviction reports, TurboTenant has it all, in one free and easy-to-use platform. Start managing your properties the Turbo way and find better tenants today!

Experience how much easier being a landlord can be when you use TurboTenant!