Having hard time finding good tenants

[Joshua D.]

So we have a half duplex that is available for rent and another split entry house available for rent. We are having a hard time finding good tenants have shown both places but when do background check nothing good at all. Should we not go through smart move trans Union. Just go by what we think? Frustrating having 2 properties sit for 3 weeks. We have had open houses and tons of people really interested but when do background checks there horrible.

[Teresa F.]

Hi Joshua -- I always use smart move but I also talk with landlords and employers in addition to asking for pay stubs.  I ask applicants about discrepancies, look at social media, and now I visit their current home to get an idea of what my property will look like in the future.  Are their pets (when their application says they don't have pets)?  Is the wall full of holes or are the furnishings old but well kept?  

Sounds like a lot huh?  Your tenants are the people who are going to either make your business a pleasure or a nightmare.  My tenants expect prompt service and a rent increase every year.  Take a hard look at your processes and your community.  Talk with other landlords about their processes.   If there is a type of applicant that seems particularly good to you, market to them.  I give security deposit discounts to police, fire fighters, military, healthcare workers, and teachers.  

Good luck and hang in there.  There are great people just hoping to become your tenants!  

Teresa