All Forum Posts by: Malgorzata Plummer

Hello, 

I have 3 years as a Leasing Consultant and each company used their integrated systems for screening. I currently rent and manage my own rentals now and I am currently paying for a software too however, Apartments.com offers Landlords property managing software and it is free of charge to use. 

I am not sure which is better than the other for screening but you can charge the tenant for background and credit checks. Include it in the "Application Fee".

Most companies charge 1 month's rent for commission as they have to market & advertise, screen, host open houses, paperwork, etc. You should not have to pay one month's rent just for screening. 

If you do not have experience with finding a good tenant, I would recommend:

Meeting with prospects, Request recent pay stubs, Rental History verifications, in addition to back-ground and credit checks. 

Hope this helps!

@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.