For the novice landlord, managing the first property can be quite vexing if you end up signing with a tenant that is uncooperative, and does not comply with the contract conditions. However, if you engage in a proper screening method you will be sure to select the right person to live in your space. The screening process begins from the very moment that the person speaks on the phone with you.

Tenant Screening For the Novice Landlord
By Joseph Devine

For the novice landlord, managing the first property can be quite vexing if you end up signing with a tenant that is uncooperative, and does not comply with the contract conditions. However, if you engage in a proper screening method you will be sure to select the right person to live in your space.

The screening process begins from the very moment that the person speaks on the phone with you. You must be perceptive and attune to how that person operates within a very short period of time. Ask yourself, if the person is punctual when you schedule a viewing of the place. Is he or she well dressed? Ultimately, you want to find out whether or not this person is going take care of your space during the time that he is living in it.

If the person is interested in moving into the space, then you will need to take a holding fee in order to begin the grunt work of screening. Have the prospective tenant fill out a full application form. This form should include information like employment details, previous address and landlord if applicable, credit rating, both personal and business references. You should also include behavioral questions on the form like; number of children that will be living in the apartment, pets, whether or not the individual is a smoker.

It is important to see which pieces of information the prospective tenant was apprehensive about releasing; it may be an indication that something is afoot. No matter how nice the person may seem, never take a chance and always check references. Your screening process is your insurance that you have chosen the right person. The individual must be responsible and trustworthy.

If you believe that you have chosen the right person then it is appropriate to draft a lease agreement, outlining all aspects of the lease. Once you have done that, you can begin to work on the tenant-landlord relationship.

It is important that you build a strong relationship with your tenant so that standards are upheld the fullest. If you come to find out that your tenant is paying on time, complying with contract stipulations, taking good care of your property, and allows access to the property for maintenance and the like, you should do everything in your power to keep that person as a tenant.

For more information on real estate management, visit http://www.carvajalgroup.com/.

Joseph Devine

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