Screening Potential Tenants

[Chris S.]

Been owner of a two family for about ten years.  I have never (knock on wood) had the apartments vacant--mostly due to location (walking distance to subway in boston) and affordability.   Over the past, most of my screening has been gut feel---and one simple call to their previous landlord to get a feel for their past rental experience.   Has served me well for the last ten years--but in my one non owner occupied unit on the first floor--has been an average of about 2 years for each tenant--since i've tended to rent to younger professionals.  It's been very solid as for rentals but i've found that there is a bit of a two year revolving door.

Few questions for the crowd here:

1. Do you target a specific type of individual or individuals?   I've opted for young professionals without kids--just because of the fact that they typically aren't in the apt all that much --less wear and tear in my mind--and less water usage.  Curious what others think.

2. I seem to get inundated the first few days with responses once i post a listing--which is happening now.  Anyone have an online solution for screening applicants that might be helpful?  I've typically relied on pen and paper old school applications but this seems to be a thing of the past.

3. Credit checks?   Do you do them?  I've never--again it has always been on gut and me having an understanding of the sort of job the tenant has.  Application gets more info on income etc so that provides some insight.

Anyways--thanks in advance--feeling slighly overwhelmed at the moment with my unit up for rent and only one month notice from my last tenant.  UGH.