Needy tenants and home warranty

[Mindy Bowden]

I have my first rental property and my first tenant is a needy one. He literally calls at least once a week about a problem. Some were legit, like a running toilet. Others, not so much; such as his wife thinking there was leak under the master bath sink but when we and the plumber went over there, it was bone dry. Have also called about stinky disposal, clogged toilets, hearing a "huge" animal in the attic that turned out to just be some mice, etc. The list goes on...

As this is my first property, I read a lot and tried to do as much research as I could prior to going into it but I'm admittedly also learning as I go. 

We've already told him we're not renewing his lease and in fact, if he finds a new place before his lease ends, we wouldn't worry about the 60 day notice. First question, how should I handle this tenant and all his repair requests until he moves out?

Second question is once he's out and I'm seeking new tenants, is there any way to sift out those "needy" type of tenants or is it luck of the draw?

Third, is there a way to discourage getting unnecessary repair requests? A friend suggested getting a home warranty and require that the tenant pays for the deductible while we pay for repairs that end up being required. Is that a good idea? If so, how do you state that in your lease terms?

Appreciate any and all information/suggestions! Thanks!