As a property manager, you are bound to encounter good tenants and bad tenants. There is no perfect screening method, but there are several factors you can take into consideration when finding a tenant for your rental.
- Obey the Law
All your prospective tenants should be treated equally. The Federal Fair Housing Act was created to prevent any discrimination against people regarding their race or color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
2. Good Credit is a Must
You will want to have a tenant who is financially responsible and able to pay their bills on time. An income and credit check is a normal request that almost all landlords make before approving a tenant.
3. File for a Criminal Background Check
To perform a criminal background check, you only need your tenant’s name and date of birth. The check will show any offenses from serious to minor. Keep in mind that some states don’t allow landlords to discriminate against criminal convictions.
5. Look Stability in a Tenant
Look at the tenant’s application form and view their past addresses and employment history. If you notice they move around frequently, you can expect to have a vacancy after their lease is up. If you notice they have had a hard time holding down a job, the may not be able to afford rent later down the road.
6. No More Than 2 people per Room