3 tips for finding top tenants
One of the keys for successful property investment is having occupied, tenanted properties - so how do you find the perfect people?
Having the right tenant for your property is critical. You don’t want to rent your property out to someone who is unreliable and unlikely to look after your dwelling.
And while finding the right tenant can seem like a daunting task, there are a few easy tips all property investors can follow to ensure they rent their property out to the ideal person and/or people.
Tip 1: Do your research
Before leasing your property out to someone, it is vital that you review their rental history. Contact previous landlords and/or residential property managers that the potential tenant dealt with in the past and ask them:
- Were they reliable with their rent payments?
- How tidy were they?
- In what state did they leave the property?
- How often did they call with problems/ requests?
- Were there any complaints made against the tenant?
Tip 2: Know the type of tenant you are looking for
Before renting your property out to a potential tenant, it is a good idea to have a picture of your ideal tenant in mind. For example, if you have a three-bedroom home, would you want a family to rent out the property? It is worth thinking about the sort of tenant that will likely stay long term and who is most likely to be reliable when it comes to rent payments.
Tip 3: Be honest with any potential tenants
When it comes to interviewing potential tenants, it is imperative that you are open and honest about your expectations. This includes openly discussing how often you intend to inspect your property and how you will address future problems/issues that may arise (broken water heater etc). By addressing topics such as maintenance and rent payments during the initial meeting, you will ensure both parties are on the same page from the beginning.