What makes a good renter?

[Dave Spooner]

Hey BP, 

I am looking at getting another property and so far I've lucked out with great tenants. What should I look for in new tenants?

Thanks! 

[Will Fraser]

Hey @Dave Spooner!  Keen question here.  The aspect that I focus on the most that is beyond the norm is:  attitude.  In my opinion attitude (and its cousin, mindset) are what determines a majority of things in life (like the difference in getting laid of and being freed up to pursue another thing, "not having money for rent" and "I didn't budget well and am having trouble paying."  You can do a LOT with a tenant who has the right mindset and attitude, but you'll want to be rid of one who has the wrong one after a few months.

I look for the following as indicators of their attitude, among others:

• - When they are answering questions about hard things (like an issue with their previous landlord, a credit score issue, etc) where do they place the blame?  Others? Boo.  Their actions, yay!
• - When I thank them for something ("Thanks for making time for the call earlier" or "thanks for filling out that application") what do they say?  "No problem?"  Boo.  "You're welcome" yay!

My goal is to have a financially qualified tenant who will be a great partner over the long-haul, which isn't going to be the case if they subconsciously blame others or the system for the things that happen in their life or view it as a favor to me to do simple things that help them achieve their goals.