Tenant problems can often plague landlords, whether you’re renting a simple complex, apartment, and more. These are the tenants from hell you’d like to avoid on the first go as they leave trouble in their wake – from missing rent to damaging your property.

Vetting your tenants before inviting them to your business is a tough job to nail right, but screening their background is an important step you can’t afford to miss.

Keep in mind that while there are no screening methods that are fool-proof, taking the time to consider the following factors should increase your chances of finding the best tenants for your rental property:

Tip #1: Get a Head Start by Setting the Right Criteria

One of the best ways to set the stage right before beginning your search for new tenants is to create a checklist that can act as a practical guide during your screening process. This can include the following must-have qualities:

• Earns enough income to afford your rent
• Stable employment
• A good history of paying rent on time
• Clean criminal record
• Friendly and easy to work with
• Depending on your property and rules, consider whether you will open your doors to pets.
• Smoking habits

By doing this, you can already set expectations on the first go and minimize tenants who do not meet your expectations.

Tip #2: Check Out their History by Talking to their Prior Landlords

A person can look squeaky clean on paper but maybe hiding some bad stains on their record behind the scenes. If you want to confirm the quality of your tenants, it’s in your best interest to take the time to talk to prior landlords.

A quick word of affirmation can make all a difference in your screening process, especially against tenants who submit fake resumes.

Tip #3: Verify their Income by inquiring with their Employers or Running a Credit Check

A potential tenant’s employment stability has more impact on your business than you think. After all, your success as a landlord heavily depends on their income, so be sure to check whether they are a responsible, long-term employee.

This will provide much-needed insight, whether they can afford your rent and pay on time, no matter the situation.

Tip #4: Interview Potential Tenants Thoroughly

After verifying the quality of your applications and saving time by filtering the good ones from the bad, you can confirm their resumes up close by inviting them for a personal interview. Be sure to observe their personality and behavior during this meeting and set your expectations as soon as possible.

You might also want to talk about the following essential topics:

• Whether or not the property will suit their lifestyle or needs.
• The last two places they lived and why they decided to move.
• If they were involved in any tenant disputes.
• Their circumstances and ability to pay rent timely.
• Whether they have pets.
• The tenancy they prefer, if they plan on living fixed-term or periodic on your property.

Conclusion: Vetting and Accepting Quality Tenants Can Make Your Rental Business Easier and More Successful!

Screening interested tenants ensure you are only taking in long-term, quality renters that can contribute to the profitability of your business. Having good tenants can already eliminate half of the major headaches in your job and make it easier to manage in the long run.

If you need professional help in vetting quality tenants for your property, get in touch with us today! We are rental agents in Ottawa; get in touch with us to see how we can help find the best property managers for you!