Landlords: Here is a quick tenant screening tip!
Hey, Landlords! Here is a quick tenant screening tip.
Of course, get references.
Yeah, you can talk to the current landlord, but if that tenant is really bad, do you think the current landlord might tell you ANYTHING just to get that bad tenant to leave his or her place?
Suggestion: Talk to the PREVIOUS landlord! This person has nothing to hide.
To be fair, not all landlords are fair, and they might complain or even lie about something that might keep you from getting a good tenant into your property.
On the other hand, the previous landlord probably does not have any motive to lie to you about a tenant no longer holding him or her hostage. This has a good chance of being an accurate review of your prospective tenant.
Bonus Suggestion: Ask the tenant IF there is anything that you should know prior to calling on these references. There are two (2) benefits here:
- It gives them a chance of defending themselves if that landlord really was unreasonable or emotionally unstable.
- Often, they’ll tell you things that will save you a phone call. (They’ll give you enough clue to make you realize that they are likely to be more trouble than they’re worth.)
Nothing is ever guaranteed, especially in this business. However, if you follow these small suggestions, you will find that your life as a landlord will be much more tolerable more often than not. You certainly have a better chance than people who DO NOT follow these tips.
