We take time to select good tenants
Even after pre-screening applicants over the phone before showing them the property, we still decline 4 out of every 5 applicants. The end result: Over 99% of our tenants do not need to be evicted each year therefore we are convinced that our system is very efficient. It's worth the time to understand the best methods of finding a great tenant.(before you let them in your home)
Here are the methods and guidelines we use:
When a potential renter would like to schedule an appointment to see a property, we say, "I need to ask you a few questions before I can set up our appointment". We want to insure that we are only bringing people who are reasonable applicants into your home.
Our pre-qualification questions are:
- Do you have any pets?
Most of our properties are no-pet properties. It saves everyone time to address this question right up front. - All interested parties must be present at the showing, is that a problem?
- Do you have good rental history?
Any good applicant will be able to answer yes to this question. We never rent to tenants that have been evicted no exceptions! - Do you have good credit history?
Tenants with good credit will work hard to keep it that way. If YOU would consider making exception for some kinds of credit blemishes It's good to address what kind of credit problem(s) they have up front. - If you like the property, how soon would you be willing to move in?
If your property is ready for immediate occupancy and they haven't even given a 30-day notice to vacate their current residence, it's best to resolve this difference now. It is our policy not to hold a property longer than 2 weeks. - How many people would be living in the property?
- Do you have verifiable income of at least 3 times the monthly rent?
This question is to help you avoid showing the property to people that cannot afford it. - Are you willing to sign a one-year lease?
Even if you want a month to month agreement, this question helps you smoke out an applicant's true objective with regard to how long they plan to stay in the property. Vacancies are expensive, so it pays to find tenants that will stay in the property for at least a year.