Then, we show the property to the prospective tenant and if they have interest in the property, begin qualifying them. We perform a full credit, criminal and background check on each tenant over the age of 18 years old to determine their past history and to determine if they would make a good tenant. We must always have the answers to these questions; Can they pay the rent? WILL they pay the rent based on their past history? Will they take care of the property? Will they get along with their neighbors? Will they let us know if there is a maintenance issue that needs to be addressed? incidentally, the prospective tenant pays for these reports so there is no cost to our owners.
If an owner wants to be included in the decision making process, I then notify the owner with the results to determine if they want to rent to them. A number of our owners will not want to be involved in this decision-making process. Since different people have different management styles, either option is fine with us.
Before a tenant is allowed to move into a property, we obtain the first month’s rent and a suitable Security Deposit, usually the same amount as the rent. Often we will require a first month, a last month, and a security deposit, depending on the market and the wishes of the owner. We do require these funds to be in the form of a money order or a cashier’s check. Afterwards, we do accept personal checks or cash.
Before the tenant moves into the property, we will perform a MOVE-IN report. We make note of any pre-existing condition if it is less than perfect. We require the tenant to sign and acknowledge the report. This MOVE-IN report can become very important when the tenant moves out. When the tenant moves out we will complete a MOVE-OUT report and then compare them. If there is damage while the tenant occupied the property, this form serves as the basis for a security deposit claim.
When you have a question, I will be the person responsible for answering it.