All Forum Posts by: Taylor Roeling

@Colten Bishop I've never actually heard of Naborly. There are a lot of programs and softwares you can use that will screen your tenants at no cost to you - the tenant will pay the rental application fee and you as the landlord will get a criminal background check and credit report etc.!

7 Things You Should be Asking on a Rental Application

The purpose of a rental application is to identify the best candidates for the property. The rental application gives you the opportunity to pull out vital information about the applicants to show you who is the most qualified candidate. Unfortunately, some landlords haven’t quite honed in on what information is most important in deciding who is a perfect fit for their property. Check out the seven things here that should be included in your rental application as well as what you should leave out due to the Fair Housing Act

@Kevin Nichols There are a lot of outdated processes in the property management! Furthermore, there are a lot that aren't very professional or aren't up to date with the current technology. If you self manage your property you can always consider using a property management software that is free to you! It would just be easier for you as a landlord instead of going through a different PM website. 

@Kane G Pickrel I think some of the biggest problems with property management today are the outdated and inefficient methods of managing properties. This includes only using paper applications, which is difficult to organize and also a security issue as you will usually have tenants social security numbers on the applications. Also, marketing properties the right way online is also a struggle for a lot of people! Also, if you do things the old-fashioned way and aren't running background checks or credit checks then you might get a tenant with a criminal background or who won't be able to pay rent on time - this is where property management can solve most of those issues and basically make the process easier for both landlords and tenants! Hope this helps answer your questions.

@Matt Rose Good job at starting to save now! I don't think it's a silly question, obviously, in a high rent area there would be more people wanting to rent from you, but then that means there is also more of a competition for you in the market. Positioning yourself as professionally and friendly as possible when you start showing your properties to tenants will set you a part from the other landlords. Also, regarding selling your property, it is hard to say right now because the market can change and probably will by the time 2021 comes around. However, I wouldn't let that concern stop you from still investing in your first property!

@Kortlin M Wheatfall There are pros and cons to having and not having property management. Like Larry said, if you are local and only have a few units then it is totally doable for just yourself to handle the details and tenants. However, if you don't necessarily have the time, then you could either use property management software or hire someone for what you need! Best of luck!

@Ian K. I agree with most everyone here about not giving them their deposit back - have you ever mentioned to them to not put the thermostat below a certain temperature? It is generally common sense, but I'm curious to see if you ever said anything about it to them directly even if it wasn't the lease

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Interestingly enough, Facebook actually just got in trouble last week with the HUD laws for violating the Fair Housing Act! While I think it's fine to look at potential tenants' social media, completing a tenant background check as well as credit check will help you narrow down your potential candidates. You might see your potential tenant's Facebook looks squeaky clean and professional, but really you have no idea what goes on behind scenes. Make sure you are educated about the Fair Housing Act as it applies both online and in-person: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_overview

@Garen T. It looks like you've taken all the right steps and hopefully the electrician can solve the issue. I would highly encourage you to do something for your tenant.  The idea of a gift card and a thank you for your patience note would be much appreciated - obviously, it was an accidental incident that wasn't your fault, but you still want to be courteous and have a trusting and respected relationship with your tenant! Obviously, this type of thing wouldn't be in the lease agreement, but it's more of a nice thing to do as a landlord!