Are you a rental property owner? If so, you know that finding good tenants is essential to the success of your business. The last thing you want is to deal with delinquent rent, property damage, or other problems that can arise from bad tenants. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average rental property owner spends between 10 and 15 percent of their gross income on maintenance and repairs. This number can be even higher if you have problem tenants.
So, how can you find suitable tenants for your rental home property? Here are a few tips from the experts:
1. Market your property well.
Make sure your property is listed on all the major rental listing sites. In addition, take advantage of social media and local online classifieds to market your property. It would be best if you also took the time to create a detailed listing with photos and information about your rental property. Many potential tenants will start their search online, so making sure your property is easy to find is essential.
You can also hire property marketing and advertising services to help you market your rental property. These services can be especially helpful if you have a unique or difficult-to-rent property. Some companies will even guarantee they can find you a tenant within a specific time frame. This can be a great option if you’re in a hurry to find a tenant. Just be sure to do your research and read reviews before hiring any property marketing firm.
2. Thoroughly screen all applicants.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s essential to take the time to screen all applicants thoroughly. This means running a credit check, verifying employment, and checking references. It’s also a good idea to check for any criminal history. By taking the time to screen applicants thoroughly, you can increase your chances of finding reliable tenants.
You should also have a standard lease agreement requiring all tenants to sign. This agreement should be clear and concise and outline the expectations and responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant. Be sure to review the agreement with each tenant before moving in. If you have any questions, be sure to consult with an attorney.
3. Clearly state your expectations.
Once you’ve found a few qualified applicants, it’s essential to state your expectations clearly. This means outlining the rules of the lease agreement and what you expect in terms of rent payments, property maintenance, and so forth. You want to ensure your tenants understand your expectations from the start to avoid misunderstandings down the road.
Especially with maintaining the property, it’s a good idea to set up a regular schedule of inspections. This way, you can catch any problems early and nip them in the bud. Tenants should also know that you may enter the property for inspections with proper notice. You can even include this information in the lease agreement.
4. Get everything in writing.
Before signing a lease agreement, make sure that everything is in writing. This includes the expectations that you outlined in tip #2. By getting everything in writing, you’ll have a clear document to refer to in case of any problems. Don’t forget to have each tenant sign the lease agreement before moving in.
Many landlords also require a security deposit from their tenants. You can use this deposit to cover any property damage or unpaid rent. Be sure to include information about the security deposit in the lease agreement. Write a receipt for the deposit and keep it in a safe place. If possible, keep the security deposit in a separate bank account from your other funds.
5. Be available for questions and concerns.
After you’ve signed a lease agreement with your tenant, it’s essential to be available for questions and concerns. This way, if any problems need to be addressed, you can take care of them quickly and efficiently. Don’t forget to include your contact information in the lease agreement.
You should also create a system for tenants to submit maintenance requests. This can be as simple as an online form or a physical drop box. By having a system in place, you can ensure that all requests are addressed promptly. You can even include information about the request process in the lease agreement.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding reliable tenants for your rental property. Remember to screen applicants thoroughly, get everything in writing, and be available for questions and concerns. By taking these steps, you can protect your investment and ensure that your rental property is in good hands.