10 tips to finding the best tenants: part one

• They must have a dedicated property management division
• They should be experienced and have previous success with problematic tenants
• The agency principal should be involved in the function of the property management division
• Your manager will attend inspections even on weekends or during extended hours to cater to tenants’ needs
• The agency has good programs and processes for vetting applications and monitoring rental arrears.

2. Update your property
By keeping your property in top condition, you’ll attract tenants who take care of their belongings and property, and it will also keep you ahead of the competition. Ensure property updates suit your target demographic; talk to your agent and find out who your potential tenants would be and how you could better present your property to them.

3. Set the right price
Keep your rental price in line with similar properties in the area or other landlords will gain a competitive edge in the search for good tenants. Ask your real estate agent about the current market and how much similar properties in the area are being rented out for before deciding on a realistic price. This is also why it’s important to be aware of the market your property is in.

4. Consider a short-term lease
If you’re on the fence about a candidate because they have very little established credit but do have steady employment (such as a recent graduate), you could ask your property manager about offering them a shorter lease as a trial period. The contract could then be extended or terminated according to both parties’ needs.

5. Check your agent has run a credit check
It’s a good idea to include a credit check in the screening process as it is usually safer to choose a tenant who has good established credit. Your property manager should look to see if any late payments by the potential tenant on their previous rental were a one-time deal or persistent, and how recently they occurred. Your property manager should be doing all these checks anyway, but open communication with them will make sure they are doing their due diligence.

Check out the rest of the LocalAgentFinder.com.au for part two of the series, coming soon. 

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