Edmond, OK · Member since 2013 · 78 posts · 6 votes
We have just started renting our first house and, like anyone, we want to get good tenants. We have had a few leads but they have all not qualified based on what they told us. Too many dogs, did not want to pay that much rent, etc. What I have noticed with many of them, they say things that i want to hear, for example. "I clean houses for my current landlord and I am so glad your house does not smell like dogs" or "We want to reduce the rent because we are going pay to have the grass cut." Am I just being cynical? I feel like I probably am. Just curious how I can spot a professional tenant.
In addition to the professional tenant, also watch out for the PITA tenant. The PITA tenant will start off wanting to know things like can they pull out your newly installed flooring to install something more to their liking. They may start quibbling over every little thing in your lease even if you are using a standard lease. Be especially wary if they start arguing about the late fees before they have even moved in.
SCreening is key. Run their credit and get a background check. Make sure you have set parameters for renting, so you are treating everyone the same. Credit, background, income, and check references. On the references, verify who you are talking to : Are you the agent or the owner. If it is an agent, ask for their license number, and that of their broker and LOOK it up to confirm. If it is an owner, confirm that they own the home and ask a confirmable question like: When did you purchase the home- This you can pul; up. I have found several liars this way and they ask me: How did you find out and what exactly did you find was the lie.. I guess they had multiple lies on the app. I had a guy show up in scrubs one, saying he worked at the local hospital... NOPE. Verify.
ALso, people who are getting evicted from where they are , are usually in a hurry to move in to the please. Most people who are good upstanding people will have 30 days notice, etc
This is all great advise. I do have some additional question. Am i allowed to deny a tenant based on the fact that they smoke? In California I know you can, that law changed. I don't want to discriminate, but I just don't want people smoking in my house. Number 7 in this list tells me its not considered a handicap. https://www.american-apartment-owners-association....
Or what if I get a potential tenant that just acts very rude, can I just say no thanks?
What about the potential tenant that has a cat, but when told they aren't permitted, says they will just give it away. I tend not to believe someone will actually do that, pets are family to most people.
I get all the HUD stuff, new here folks, go easy on me.