I need help now as I have renters calling but no help.

[Chelle Knijnenburg]

Hello, We put our For Rent Sign in the window and we have about 5 calls within 4 days. Unfortunately, the person who was to help me has been pulled away and I am in need of quick advice and/or guidance.  

I need help, either making a decision or with the actual tenant screening process. Should I pull the sign out of the window and then find someone to help me and start all over? If so, what do I tell the 5 people who called over the weekend?

Should I hire a Property Manager and have whoever says yes to handle it? The two I interviewed want to use the standard contract without any addendums. I signed up for Smart Moves.  The info I researched recommends to include addendum's such as the renter must by renters insurance, renter is responsible for first $100.00 of repairs, the garbage disposal is not covered, and more. We would like to include a 2 month buy out clause. Plus, the advice seems to lean toward visiting the possible tenant's present home. 

I believe the description could help someone in the advice I seek. The townhouse is a 3-story, 1855 SF, techie town home with a 2-car garage, 500 SF of storage in a highly desirable area near many Corporate HQ's, walking distance to shopping, dining, music clubs, dry cleaner, hair salons, spas, gym, yoga, a Marriott & entertainment. Recently updated with custom paint touches throughout. Located near the tollway, I-90, and 121, 3 malls, sports stadium, and 20+ minutes to the airport. This does not seem to be the type of place that a professional tenant would fit into. So, are all the addendum's necessary in what appears to be such a great area -- or am I worrying too much?

Thanks.

[Dawn Brenengen]

@Chelle Knijnenburg I know some would disagree, but I think making the tenants responsible for the $100 of repairs is just asking for your property to be neglected.  It's your house, you maintain it, and that includes the garbage disposal.

You should definitely require renter's insurance.  In the NC contract, it's part of our standard lease.  I wouldn't think you would need a whole addendum, but you should be able to add a clause here and there specific to your property.