20 Dec Good Tenants
Posted at 15:22h in Rental Property Management by San Diego Property Management
Good tenants are hard to come by. Even someone who looks good on paper may not be the best fit. The reality is, leasing your rental to a new person can sometimes feel like a gamble. But, it does not have to be. You can reduce your risk of future issues by knowing the qualities of a good tenant. And,although it may bedifficult toscreen for,there are certain qualities that make someone stand outfrom the rest. After investing in a rental property, you want to be sure those renting it will take care of it. By creating a list of qualities to look for, you can avoid costly evictions, and potential damage to your property. With this in mind, we offer some insight on finding a qualified tenant.
Finding A Qualified Tenant
A good landlord will go to great lengths to find a qualified renter for their property. That’s because qualified tenants are those with a proven track record. While no screening method is foolproof, there are certain factors you should look at that will give you a better chance. Whileit may take a little time and patience, it’s worth putting the right tenant in your rental property. Just keep in mind to avoid violating the Fair Housing Act! To ensure you avoid this, make sure to apply your rental application criteria equally to all applicants. Also, make sure that your determining factors are measurable. As an example, the rent to income ratio and credit score. In short, you cannot discriminate based on the following:
- Race
- Color
- National Origin
- Religion
- Sex
- Familial Status
- Disability
In addition California Law also protects people from discrimination based on their
- Sexual Orientation
- Gender Identity & Expression
- Source Of Income
- Marital Status
- Age
- Arbitrary Characteristics
- Example: Refusing to rent to someone because he or she is gay
Qualities of a Good Tenant
There are four basic traits thatdescribe an ideal tenant. The ability andwillingness to: pay rent, care for the rental property, avoid creating disturbances, and avoid drama. Good tenants care enough to at least try to make a good impression. They are friendly, show up on time, display some level of excitement for the rental property, and are respectful to the landlord. All the qualities mentioned are inherent to a responsible person. Look for applicants who are responsive to communications. The best applicants seem interested and ask questions about the rental property and surrounding area. With this in mind, we offer some more insight on the qualities of a good tenant. The ones you should be looking for.
Responsible
A good tenant is responsible. The landlord-tenant relationship revolves around regular rent payments in exchange for a place to live. And, making on-time rent payments is one of the most important jobs for which a tenant is responsible. This is a no-brainer. A good rule of thumb is that the rent should not exceed 30 percent of the applicant’s income. Not only does a good tenant pay the rent on time, but they also take care of day-to-day maintenance issues like pulling the weeds, or changing the filters. Additionally, a responsible tenant will alert you to potential issues that need your attention such as a water leak. To find this quality in your potential renters, punctuality is your first indication. Check their credit report, too. That’s because responsible people pay their bills on time, and the credit score will reflect that.
Respectful
Watch your applicants closely! Are they respectful of your time in terms of showing up on time for the appointment? If they are running late, did they let you know? You should expect a potential renter to be early or at least on time. When you meet them are they respectful and friendly? Or standoffish and rude? You want a tenant that is always polite and courteous. This makes all of your dealings much more comfortable for everyone involved. Starting your landlord-tenant relationship off on the right foot is important.
Drama Free
While some tenant thrive on drama, others try to avoid it all together. This is the kind of tenant you want! That’s because tenants whothrive on dramaare the tenants that call with excuse after excuse. In fact, rent to a tenant that is a drama queen and life is one problem after another, only you’re invited to the party. Avoid this type of tenant at all costs! That is, unless you like to deal with tenant drama. Whileempathy is generally a good character trait, it won’t help your rental business.
When In Doubt
If you need help finding the right tenant, or need help managing the ones you already have, call us today! We take care of all types of residential rental properties including homes, condos, multiplexes such as duplex and triplexes, and even small apartment buildings. Whether you are interested in changing property managers, or simply looking to hire a property management company for the first time, wecan help. Let us manage your rental properties, so you can enjoy your life! Call us today at (858) 576-2176.We will save you time, money, and the stress that comes along withmanaging your own rentals.
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I am an experienced property management professional with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in finding and managing good tenants. Over the years, I've successfully navigated the challenges of tenant selection and property maintenance, ensuring smooth and profitable landlord-tenant relationships. My expertise is grounded in firsthand experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the factors that contribute to successful property management.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article titled "Good Tenants" dated December 20th:
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Screening for a Qualified Tenant: The article emphasizes the importance of finding qualified tenants with a proven track record. It suggests that landlords should employ screening methods, such as assessing the rent-to-income ratio and credit score. Notably, the article advises against violating the Fair Housing Act by ensuring equal application criteria for all applicants, without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, source of income, marital status, age, or arbitrary characteristics.
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Qualities of a Good Tenant: The article identifies four essential traits of an ideal tenant:
- Ability and Willingness to Pay Rent: A responsible tenant pays rent on time, with the recommendation that rent should not exceed 30 percent of the applicant's income.
- Care for the Rental Property: A good tenant takes care of day-to-day maintenance tasks and promptly reports potential issues to the landlord.
- Avoid Creating Disturbances: A desirable tenant is respectful and avoids causing disruptions or disturbances.
- Avoid Drama: The article suggests avoiding tenants who thrive on drama, as they may bring unnecessary problems to the landlord.
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Responsibility of a Good Tenant: The landlord-tenant relationship is described as revolving around regular rent payments and day-to-day maintenance responsibilities. A responsible tenant not only pays rent on time but also addresses routine maintenance tasks and communicates potential issues promptly.
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Respectful Behavior: The article underscores the importance of assessing a potential tenant's respectfulness, including punctuality, politeness, and courtesy during interactions. It suggests that a positive and respectful beginning to the landlord-tenant relationship sets the tone for comfortable dealings.
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Drama-Free Tenancy: The article advises landlords to avoid tenants who thrive on drama, as they may bring continuous excuses and problems. A drama-free tenant is preferred for a smoother landlord-tenant relationship.
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Seeking Professional Property Management: The article concludes by suggesting that landlords who need assistance in finding the right tenant or managing existing ones should consider professional property management services. It highlights the benefits of outsourcing property management tasks to save time, money, and alleviate the stress associated with self-management.
In summary, the article provides valuable insights into the qualities of a good tenant, the importance of screening for qualified tenants, and the significance of a respectful and drama-free landlord-tenant relationship. The advice is practical and aligns with the goal of fostering a positive and mutually beneficial rental experience.
