All Forum Posts by: Shane Matzen

Thanks again @Account Closed , your comments are extremely helpful.  I haven't thought about potentially asking for a co-signer, I will keep that in mind as an option.

@Andy Collins Duly noted.  Thanks again for the help!

Thank you @Andy Collins , that's a great tip!  I'll be sure to this.  What's the best way to check on tax records?  Are there any online databases or websites that you use for this or do you just go to the county clerk's office or website?

Thanks @Account Closed !  I do agree that an application fee will help with screening, I just have to see if this is common for my area; It's starting to sound more common than I previously thought.  If they do balk at some of your criteria, how do you typically proceed?  Do you insist that this is your criteria or just make a mental note to document this later and not call them back?

Thank you @Jesse Waters !  I am actually meeting with my real estate attorney to draw up lease agreements, so I'll also be sure to ask him about landlord-tenant regulations.  I really like your suggestion of crediting the application fee if accepted. 

 I definitely would like to charge an application fee, I just don't know if other landlords in my area are doing this and if this will drastically limit my pool of tenants, something I will have to look into.  

It sounds like calling the previous landlord definitely worked out for you.  Any suggestions on how I could verify that the reference is in fact a previous landlord?  I've heard that some tenants will list a friend posing as a landlord.  

Thank you @Ursula B.

Thanks again!

Hello, I am about to close on a 4-unit property in a working class neighborhood.  Three of the units are vacant, so this will be my first time marketing units and finding tenants to fill them. 

I have done research on how to screen tenants and what to look out for, but I don't know how to turn someone down if I just don't "get a good feeling."  I am happy to rent to anyone as long as they are respectful and pay their rent on time, but I have heard so many stories about nightmare tenants I really want to avoid this.  

I do plan on running credit and background checks, but I just don't want to have to do this for every prospective tenant as this is expensive and time consuming. I'd prefer to only do this after checking references and overall having a good feeling about the tenant(s). 

That being said, if someone inquires and I meet with them and decide it doesn't seem like it will be a good fit, how should I proceed? Do I not even give an application? Do I give them one and then send a reason for rejection?  Any advice or experience with this?

Thank you!