Finding the right tenants is crucial for the success of your rental property. Whether you’re a landlord in Cambridge or Hamilton, working with a property manager Cambridge or property manager Hamilton can ensure you screen tenants effectively and avoid common rental issues like late payments or property damage.
Here’s a simple guide to screening tenants effectively, brought to you by ARS Property Management.
1. Create a Rental Application
ARS Property Management starts with a comprehensive rental application. We ask for basic information such as name, contact details, employment history, and references. Our application also includes questions about rental history and permission to run background checks.
2. Conduct Background Checks
We perform thorough background checks to ensure the applicant has no serious criminal history. Our team looks for any past evictions or legal issues that might raise red flags. ARS uses reliable background check services to get accurate and detailed information.
3. Check Credit Reports
ARS reviews the applicant’s credit report to see their financial history. A good credit score indicates that they manage their finances well and are likely to pay rent on time. We look for any red flags like unpaid debts or bankruptcies.
4. Verify Employment and Income
Our team ensures the tenant has a stable job and sufficient income to pay rent. Typically, the rent should not exceed 30% of their monthly income. ARS asks for recent pay stubs or a letter from their employer as proof of income.
5. Contact References
ARS contacts previous landlords and personal references. Previous landlords provide insights into the applicant’s rental history, including how they maintained the property and if they paid rent on time. Personal references vouch for the applicant’s character.
6. Interview the Applicant
We schedule an interview with the applicant, which can be done in person or over the phone. ARS asks questions about their rental history, why they are moving, and what they are looking for in a rental property. This helps us gauge their suitability as a tenant.
7. Look for Red Flags
ARS is always alert for any red flags during the screening process. This includes inconsistent information, reluctance to provide references, or a history of late rent payments. We trust our instincts if something feels off.
8. Use a Tenant Screening Service
ARS Property Management utilises professional tenant screening services. These services provide thorough background checks, credit reports, and eviction history, ensuring we find reliable tenants for your property.
9. Set Clear Rental Criteria
ARS establishes clear rental criteria and sticks to them. This includes minimum credit scores, income requirements, and acceptable background checks. Consistency helps us make fair and unbiased decisions.
10. Follow Fair Housing Laws
ARS always adheres to fair housing laws during the screening process. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. We treat all applicants fairly and equally.
These steps are meticulously followed by ARS Property Management to ensure landlords find reliable tenants who will take care of their property and pay rent on time. For comprehensive property management services, contact ARS Property Management today.
Need a property manager in Waikato & Hamilton Property Manager? Contact ARS for expert property management services.
