Tenant screening companies and services

[Malgorzata Plummer]

Hello, 

I am brand new landlord and getting ready to find my first tenants. 
my realtor company is providing “ tenant search and screening” and charge one month rent for this service. 
I really can not see any difference between their work and services provided by Zillow….

Did anyone had any experience with local companies doing devices like that? 
they are not going to manage it. Just find tenants. 
I know it is super important to have good tenants but the price is so high….

any advice?

gosia

[Tim Herman]

@Malgorzata Plummer You have to do it yourself. Set up your rental criteria. Credit score, pets, no pets, number of unrelated tenants, criminal records( allow misdemeanors' or none, no evictions or evictions longer than  5 years with no money loss to previous landlords), cosigners, etc. Follow your guidelines so you don't get into a discrimination lawsuit. I do open house to show prospective tenants. I schedule at 10 minute intervals because people flake and don't show. I usually do a Friday evening and Saturday afternoon showings, List the property on facebook marketplace, craiglist, zillow(i think there is a charge now) and a sign in the front yard. Have good pictures and watermark the pictures with the number to call. Ads should list some of the major criteria that you require, credit score, criminal background, pet policy, etc. When they call or text reiterate the criteria. Ask them if they meet the minimum qualifications then set up a time for them to view the listing. When they show up I like to look at their car and see how they keep their car. If you like them you can get their email and send them to somewhere to run credit and background checks(Experian, rent ready, zillow or Innago and I'm sure their are others. If you send several to do the background check take the most qualified. Still have to verify employment(don't call the number they give you but the main switchboard and ask for human resources, they can verify employments. Call previous landlords and ask if they would rent to them again. A little more involved than most people think.