All Forum Posts by: Taylor Roeling

@Dennis Callaghan Everyone has great info and advice on here! ESAs are very important for some people's health and well-being - the allergies your brother has are also a very important part of his health. However, maybe you could work out an agreement of where the animals are allowed to be and sit etc. to minimize the hair they spread and such. If you screen your tenants properly and get to know them in-person a little bit before, you can bring up your concerns in a friendly and casual way. The tenant and landlord relationship should be more like a partnership anyway - both of you are helping each other out in different ways. Also, if you own multiple rentals, you and your brother could also work out something where you are the one who will visit and attend to the properties with animals and he can cover the others without animals. Best of luck! 

@Benjamin Dutil Like mentioned above, going through a third party to run the background checks is probably the best option for you. If you pulled the criminal/civil records yourself there could be potential bias and issues with the Fair Housing Act. Here is a good resource about tenant/landlord laws to help you better understand some of the processes: https://realestate.findlaw.com/landlord-tenant-law/tenant-rights.html

Best of luck!

Looking For a Better Way To Screen Tenants?  Learn About Free Online Rental Applications:

In this increasingly electronic world, why is it that landlords still have physical paper applications? The landlord relationship is still locked into an age of paper and snail mail. Landlords are usually using outdated methodologies for one of two reasons; they’ve always done it that way, or they haven’t explored the ease of using online applications. Find out why switching to an online rental application is a smart and efficient move here. 

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.

Start using our online Rental Application today and experience how easy it is to be a landlord.

@Ryan Schulz You aren't the only one who has had issues with property managers! I feel like a lot of the struggles with renters and property managers stem from lack of good communication from the get-go. Landlords need to be transparent about their rules and make sure they are screening their tenants, and renters should be respectful and understanding of the policies. Usually proper screening and in-person interactions will help you select the best tenants for your specific property! Most softwares should include this feature through online rental applications.

@Account Closed this is a good question! Usually tenants will pay for the application/screening fee. Usually this ranges from $30-45! Landlords shouldn't have to pay especially since it can help you find quality and willing tenants.

While bad tenants do cost you more, and lowering the rent for a good tenant does seem like it is a fair and logical solution,  I feel you wouldn't want to set a precedent that it could keep getting lowered just because she is "good." Ultimately, it is totally up to yo! Everyone has had good solutions and opinions so far.

@Steve Pickenpaugh I know I'm slightly late to the game, but I agree with Greg - just because there is a stereotype that pit bulls can be aggressive doesn't mean this one actually is. ES animals truly do help people regardless of what breed. As always, make sure you do a proper tenant screening check and get references from previous landlords to make sure there were no issues with the tenant or the dog. Also, make sure you are in accordance with the Fair Housing Act and state laws.

@Molly Turner As mentioned above, the $435/each plus utilities I think is actually a really great deal both for you and the tenants.... You've worked out all the numbers and it is tight like you said. If the home is in great shape and is right by a college campus, which is really ideal, I don't think it would be as risky as it may appear in the numbers. I feel like it should be highly comforting that it is in an area where the demand for rentals is high!

@Isaac Pyle I know I'm a little late to the game, but if your parents have offered to help you, from a logical and financial point it seems like it would be a great option for you especially as a college student! I mean if you have a close and good relationship with your parents then it really is up to you. After college, you don't want to have debt you don't need - don't worry about other people's opinions because everyone's experience is going to be different especially with money! 

Tips on Screening Tenants Thoroughly- How do I screen potential tenants?

When a landlord is reviewing applications for potential tenants, there are several key factors one should consider which makes screening a very important step to the process.

Besides making sure the renter is a good fit for your property, you also want to make sure you have someone who is low risk, is able to pay rent on time, and has a good criminal/civil history. It is essential to properly screen applicants to avoid potential problems in the future. By doing your due diligence beforehand, you can get a better idea of the person or people who will be living in your rental property. Find out here how and what you should look for when considering rental applications as a landlord!