If you are a landlord and looking for the dream tenant that will keep the headaches at bay, then it is best to implement a tenant screening process before you select the person to occupy your property. What exactly are you looking for in a good tenant? Who should you approach and where do you find one? They can come from word of mouth or they can be recommendations from people you already know who can vouch for their character. Obviously this is the best way to go about finding the right person. But it these routes are simply impossible or you don’t have the right contacts to do this, then you can post for an ad in the local newspapers or on online sites that are frequented by the target groups of people you want to be renting your house.
As more and more people come across the ad, it is possible to have more than one interested party looking to rent the premise in question, So how do you select between two or more seemingly viable potential tenants? When you have more than one person interested in the offer, it is best to implement a tenant screening process that can help you identify possible problems and challenges ahead of time.
Here are some tips to help you decide.
Tip#1: Telephone Screening
Telephone screening is vital to obtain a general impression of the person. This is the initial discussion where you will discuss and perhaps confirm on the agreed rental rates. This is a golden opportunity for you to find out more about them and their lifestyle. Ask about their work and the length of employment. Finally be sure to inquire about the amount of people who will be staying at the premises during the length of the tenancy. Make sure you ask what about your property interested them. Try to find out why they are leaving their current place of residence as well. Another question to ask is how long they intend to rent your unit. Obviously the longer they are prepared to rent it the better it is for you.
Tip#2: Showing the premises
It is normal for prospective tenants to ask for an on-site evaluation of the unit they are interested in. This is the most important part in the tenant screening process. This is when you get to meet the person and evaluate his or her character. Use your own judgment when doing this. Are they properly dressed and well-groomed? How is their personal hygiene? Do they smoke? Do they look like the type of person you want to be living in your rental property?
Tip#3: Multiple Prospects
One good tip for landlords is to try and get more than one interested party. If possible, get all the prospective tenants together at the same time and show them the property all at once. This not only saves you time, but it will also deter any attempts to haggle over the rent. When there are more than one tenant trying to rent a single unit of interest, it is unlikely for anyone to ask for a lower rent.
Once you have decided on a tenant of your choice, it’s time to give them a rental application form to fill out.