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    How to Choose a Good Tenant

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    how to find good tenants

    Looking for some advice on how to find a good tenant? Read our article for some tips and tricks to ensure you find a good match.

    If you’re a landlord, you know that one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who to rent to. The right tenant can make your life a lot easier, while the wrong tenant can cause all sorts of headaches. So how can you tell if someone will be a good fit for your rental property? In this article, we’ll be taking a look at how to find good tenants.

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    Start by Creating a List of Must-Haves and Nice-To-Haves for Your Tenant

    Once property managers have posted a rental listing, it’s a good idea to create a tenant screening process with an initial list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. Your must-haves should include things like creditworthiness, rental history, and references; these are essential for property managers to determine the best tenant. Nice-to-haves might include preferred hobbies or interests that align with yours as a landlord, or other lifestyle preferences. Knowing what qualities you prioritize can help narrow down choices quickly and efficiently. And remember — your tenant’s approach to cleanliness and order really matters! Making this kind of list in advance will ensure you have a great candidate from the start.

    Screen Each Applicant Thoroughly, Including Running a Credit Check and Background Check

    Finding quality tenants is an important step in ensuring that your rental management endeavours go smoothly. That’s why it’s important to make sure each applicant goes through a thorough screening process, including running a credit check and background check. This helps ensure that you’ll have reliable, trustworthy people to have living in your rental property.

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    Create a Detailed Lease Agreement

    Once you’ve found the ideal renter, it’s important to create a detailed lease agreement. Having a detailed lease agreement is essential for landlords in order to protect themselves from potential legal issues that could arise during the duration of an occupant’s tenancy. Well-crafted and comprehensive rental agreements help ensure that both parties understand their rights and obligations, clarifying shared expectations and mitigating misunderstandings. A good lease should include details on rent, security deposits, rules and regulations, occupancy terms, pet policies, maintenance responsibility, and more. It’s important to ensure that all the information in the agreement is accurate and up-to-date so that everyone is on the same page at all times.

    Related Read: Who Is Responsible for Snow Removal at a Rental Property?

    Check References From Previous Landlords and Employers

    Screening potential tenants is an important step in the rental process, and one of the best ways to ensure a great tenant-landlord relationship is by checking references from previous landlords or employers. This can help landlords get a better understanding of the applicant’s past behaviour when it comes to making sure they’ll pay rent on time and adhere to rules and regulations. It also gives them insight into how well they take care of property, as well as their overall character. Additionally, speaking with references can give landlords peace of mind knowing that they are taking all necessary steps before signing off on any rental agreement. With this information at hand, it’s much easier for landlords to make an informed decision about who should be living in their property.Verifying references is an important step in the rental screening process. You should take the time to call previous landlords and employers to confirm that your prospective tenant has paid rent on time, followed the rules of their prior lease agreements, and maintained steady employment. This helps provide a more complete picture of your potential renter’s background.

    Related Read: How Much Should I Be Spending on Rent?

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    Have a Face-To-Face Meeting With Each Rental Applicant to Get To Know Them Better

    As a landlord, meeting potential tenants face-to-face can be an invaluable part of the rental process. Not only does it provide landlords with an opportunity to get to know their applicants on a more personal level, but it can also help them make informed decisions about who they want living in their property. By speaking with prospective tenants in person and getting a better understanding of how they will treat the space and its amenities, landlords can trust that their investment is being protected by someone who is responsible and respectful. Plus, having honest conversations during this initial meeting helps set the tone for the tenant-landlord relationship going forward.

    Make Sure Your Rental Applicant Has Tenant Insurance

    Another key component of choosing a good tenant is making sure they’ve purchased tenant insurance. This type of insurance covers plenty of important things, such as the cost of repairs due to damage caused by the tenant, and as liability for any accidents that happen on the property. While it may seem like an extra expense, having this kind of protection in place can be a lifesaver if something unexpected happens. Plus, it gives landlords peace of mind knowing that their property is covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances. It’s also important to make sure tenants have the right type and amount of coverage for their situation — so be sure to double-check this before signing a lease!

    Related Read: 5 Tenant’s Insurance Claims Every Renter Should Know

    APOLLO Insurance is here to help, with simple solutions to keep your tenants belongings insured and give them peace of mind. Our effortless platform allows you to get a quote in less than a minute and sends your policy documents straight to your inbox.

    Get comprehensive tenant insurance for what matters

    Get no-nonsense coverage that's the best value for your money. Purchase in less than a minute, receive your policy instantly, and save when you buy online.

    Originally published February 7, 2023, updated September 5, 2023

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