In this blog, we’ve gone over a variety of ways to avoid bad tenants, between performing screenings and refining your application process. Even so, the point is really never belabored. No matter how experienced you are, there’s always a risk of ending up with a tenant who mistreats your property or causes problems with your other renters. So once again, we’re here to offer some bullet points that’ll give you an edge against problem tenants.
Our top recommendations for preventing bad tenants:
1. Always, always, always insist on credit and background checks. Make sure that you plainly state that you require them on all applications, and to better refine your tenant pool, include the cost in the application fee. Communicate that these screenings are included in the fee so that the applicant knows where their money’s going. Being plain about the fact that you will run these checks will reduce the number of applicants with plainly checkered pasts.
2. Check up on all references and ask for prior residences in addition to the current residence. Current landlords aren’t always forthcoming with troublesome information if they want to get a tenant out of their property, so take their word with a grain of salt. The real answers lie with previous landlords who no longer have a reason to fudge the truth.
3. Conduct your interviews in person and, if possible, at the applicant’s current residence. Doing these two things can reveal a lot that you’d never see on paper or hear over the phone. You can see if the tenant acts uncomfortable or cagey about certain questions, as well as getting a firsthand look at the state of their current home. Ask questions that require a more detailed answer than a simple “yes” or “no,” such as “what made you decide to move?”
4. Check social media. With the popularity of Facebook and other social sites these days, running a quick Google search on your applicant can reveal a lot. Glance at whatever photos they share with their friends to see if they have pets they haven’t disclosed or if they like to throw raging parties.
5. Offer incentives and loyalty treats. Once you select your tenants, there are ways to make sure they remain loyal and pay on time. Try offering a little something for paying rent on time for several months, or host bi-annual “community appreciation days” where you treat them to food and drink. These perks will give them a reason to stay, and better yet, a reason to WANT to stay.
If all else fails and you end up with a problem tenant anyway despite your very best efforts, make sure you act quickly. Document everything — keep detailed notes and distribute all the proper notices when necessary. Once you have what you need to build a case, seek legal help.
These are our best recommendations for ensuring you avoid bad tenants
To better help you make the right decision, try our RentalConnect program, which offers property owners and landlords a great alternative to the expense of full tenant screening. This service requires no on-site visit, sign-up, or membership fees, making it extra convenient. The service fee is paid by the applicant. Available 24/7, RentalConnect is fast, easy, secure, and delivers reports needed to make an informed decision, including a credit report, a national criminal search, and a national eviction search. Reach out to us for more details!
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