@Christina Venegas how well did you screen this PMC before hiring them?

Tenant screening/rent collection make it much easier and more likely to be successful.

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator.So, the first question they usually ask a PMC is about fees - instead of asking about services and HOW those services are executed.EXAMPLE: PMC states they will handle tenant screening – what does that specifically mean?

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator.So, the first question they usually ask a PMC is about fees - instead of asking about services and HOW those services are executed.EXAMPLE: PMC states they will handle tenant screening – what does that specifically mean?

That is a tricky situation but you could implement stricter tenant screening processes, implement strict rules and consequences for tenants who violate the terms of their lease, try to work with the owners of the surrounding properties to address the issue of problematic tenants, offer incentives for good tenants such as rent discounts or referral bonuses, and consider partnering with local organizations or community groups to improve the area and make it more attractive to potential tenants.

If you are going to sell it occupied, it's vital that your lease is excellent, you are screening thoroughly and charging market rates.

Upon screening or meeting your cleaner, ask for a reference if you can.

Renting and tenant screening can occur via the web.  

If you have very responsible tenants and they know how to use a fireplace safely, burn only seasoned firewood, do not leave the fire unattended, use fireplace screens and dispose of the ashes appropriately, it works.

Also, Not that this is a hard and fast rule or something I look at when screening but I have also found that *among well-qualified tenants*, pet owners tend to be more responsible, timely, communicative, etc... than non pet owners.