You are happy and relieved that you’ve secured tenants for your property First month goes well Second month goes well It’s the third month and the tenants are unresponsive You decide to let this slide and give them the benefit of doubt It’s the fourth month and this pattern continues You start to worry and want to schedule a meeting with the tenants After 13 voicemails and 40 texts you finally get a hold of them When you arrive to the property you are shocked The house reeks like a death bed Theres s***t everywhere like a teenager’s room You stand there a fool wondering where you went wrong!
Don’t worry, you are not that big of a fool. We have all been there!
We are tired of playing the tenant tango with terrible occupants, we’ll fret no more! Using our experience, we’ve got some practical tips to help you avoid landing in the tenant horror show. Let’s get started!
-
Dress to Impress: First impressions matter, right? Treat your property like a suave date and make it irresistible. A well-maintained and appealing place will attract responsible tenants like bees to honey. Remember, curb appeal is your ultimate wingman!
-
The Sherlock Holmes Application Check: Sherlock would be proud! Investigate potential tenants like you’re solving a mystery. Run background and credit checks to separate the diamonds from the costume jewelry. After all, you don’t want a tenant who moonlights as a professional cannonball diver.
-
Reference Bonanza: Ask for references, and not just from their favorite pizza joint. Previous landlords can spill the beans on tenant behavior. But be cautious, they might be eager to pawn off their nightmares on unsuspecting souls like you!
-
Interview with a Vamp—Err, Potential Tenant: Schedule a face-to-face meeting to size up your prospective tenant. Trust your gut and observe how they present themselves. If they’re sporting a cape and insist on conducting nocturnal activities, you might want to reconsider.
-
The Renter’s Resume: Ask for a rental history. No, we’re not talking about the ability to binge-watch Netflix. A stable rental history shows that the tenant has successfully adulted in the past. Plus, you’ll know if they’re prone to leaving flaming marshmallows in the microwave.
-
Security Deposit – Your Shield and Holy Grail: Collect a reasonable security deposit to ensure your peace of mind. It’s like a superhero cape that safeguards your property from tenant shenanigans. Just remember, don’t go overboard and demand a kidney as collateral.
-
Clear Communication: Not Morse Code, Please!: Lay down the ground rules early on and make sure you’re both on the same page. Effective communication is key! If you’re resorting to smoke signals or carrier pigeons, it’s time to upgrade your methods.
-
The Maintenance Mambo”: Keep your property well-maintained, or you’ll have tenants dancing the maintenance mambo. Respond promptly to repair requests, and remember, fixing a leaky faucet beats listening to their rendition of “Waterfalls” at 3 a.m.
-
The Pet Predicament: Ah, pets. They’re cute and cuddly until they turn your carpet into their personal restroom. Have a clear pet policy in place, and don’t hesitate to charge a pet fee. A well-trained tenant’s four-legged friend is way better than a pack of wild hyenas.
-
The Swift Eviction Foxtrot: If you find yourself stuck with a tenant from the depths of Hades, be familiar with eviction laws. Consult with legal professionals to ensure you’re following the right steps. Remember, performing an eviction dance is never as fun as it sounds.
So, dear property owners, arm yourself with these tips and dance your way to finding those wonderful, responsible tenants.
Remember, life is too short to play hide-and-seek with terrible occupants.
Happy landlording and may your properties be forever tenant-trouble-free!