All Forum Posts by: Logan McConnell

hi,

Turbotenant.com worked great for me.  Was free and easy to use. Once you have hand picked potential tenants, they can log into the site and pay $35 for credit and background check (extra 10 will include the eviction check). They can also fill out a applicant form which includes all the important info you need (references, etc.). The site also advertises the prop perty for you for free. I was really impressed with the simplicity of the site.  For lease, I bet someone on this site will have a template or else spend the 75 ish on a lease template specific for Colorado.  These can be easily found online with a search.  I also recommend having potential tenants answer simple 5-10 questions to help you pic which tenants to like before they spend 35-45 on the application.  Questions about pets, confirming they can pay deposit up front, their income, their occupation, etc.

That is some solid info and really helps.  Thanks Michele!

Thanks for taking the time to expand my knowledge on this subject Kyle, much appreciated.  

Hi, I just got my first credit and background check application.  I am not familiar with credit reports.  I understand the credit score part, but does anyone have any info on collection accounts?  Is it a red flag for a potential tenant with a high 600s score but 5+ collection accounts?  Any info on breaking down and analyzing credit checks would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance! 

I really like the pet addendum.  That is a great idea, thanks Rory.

Wow, everyone's advice is great!  Thank you so much to this fantastic community!  

Hi, I just listed my first home in Fort Collins for rent.  Is having a one-time $300 non refundable pet fee sound like the norm in town?  Do you vary the fee depending on how many dogs they have?  Also, is it the norm to ask people to provide a brief statement about who they are, how many people would be living in the house, and what types of pets they have if any and to fill out a free online application before I talk to them.  I at first did not do this and got bombarded with these non-personal inquires through Rentlinx.  Seems like people only had to check a box and Rentlinx emails me, says they are interested and asks when they can see the place.  I don't want to show the place to 20s of people that might not even have good credit or who are violating the 3 non-related tenants in a home law in Fort Collins.  So I figured having them fill out a free rental app first, then I can pick out the ones I feel may qualify, then I will show it, and last they would pay a $35 fee for background and credit score check.

Any info is appreciated.  First time renting so trying to do it right the first time.

Thanks for the heads up Bill.  I would really prefer doing the tenant screening myself since I have heard so many nightmare stories about PM companies not doing a good job with all aspects of the business.  Ideally, there would be a good PM company around that would have a fair rate and do a good job, but I don't know any and I don't want to spend the typical 10% of rent fee.  I have gotten a few good leads to screening websites so I am thinking: have the background check done (criminal and credit score), if they are young (college), get the parents to cosign the lease, and meet them in person and feel them out.  And if they have a pet, meet it first to to make sure its well behaved and friendly - I don't want a mean dog peeing all over but it seems like if you can find a responsible pet owner, an extra $50 dollar a month pet fee along with a pet deposit would help expand my tenant option and cash flow!

But this will be my first time renting, so we will see what happens

Dana,

Thanks for the breakdown, very clean and precise.  Much appreciated!  Does your company have a branch in N CO or are you strictly a Cali company?  

Sarnen,

Please do, thanks.

Patrick,

I didn't know about the extra occupancy designation, very interesting.  I wonder what their minimum is for parking spots?  I live off of Laporte, have a single car driveway and street parking which usually isn't that busy.  

I am interested in your RE attorney.  I still need to research more so that I know exactly what I need but it sure would be nice for a professional with experience to lay it all out for me.  

I'm glad you were able to rent your 4/2 easily, good luck with renting the 1/1! If it's downtown you wouldn't think that it would be a problem.