Finding a responsible, reliable tenant can be one of the hardest parts of property management. If you are a new rental property owner, you might be wondering what you should be looking for in order to find a good tenant. A good tenant will make sure that they respect your property, and even go so far as to treat it as their own. They will make every effort to limit the amount of wear and tear that happens over time.
The Qualities of a Good Tenant in Property Management
1. A Detailed Application
A model tenant will typically complete the application form in full and provide you with all the proof that you require. They will be able to meet the rental payments and agree to the rules you have for the property.
2. They Have a Good Record
A great tenant should not be listed on any landlord database that would show that they have had issues in the past. They would likely be listed if they had not paid their rent on time or damaged the property. Great tenants will have great references.
3. They Need to Be Respectful and Easy to Communicate With
When you have a tenant, you should be able to talk with them in an open manner. Someone that will not respond to your messages or calls is not the ideal tenant at all.
4. Pays Rent On Time
Neglecting to pay rent is not what a good tenant does. In the event that something does go wrong, a good tenant will notify his landlord in good time to communicate their issue.
5. Takes Care of Your Property
As with any property, normal wear and tear is expected, but not in excess. The tenant should always treat the property better than their own while they are there.
6. Problems With Maintenance Are Addressed
Small maintenance issues can easily become big issues if the tenants do not let you know in good time. You want a tenant who will let you know as soon as they notice a problem.
You can use the services of your property management company in order to deal with these issues if you wish to do so. This is especially important for those property owners who do not have the time to deal with such issues by themselves.
7. Sticks to the Rules of the Property Management Agreement
Every tenant should receive a copy of the lease agreement when they are chosen, but it is those who will abide by it that will make a good tenant. Someone who keeps on trying to bend the rules in their favor has not got your or your property’s best interest at heart.
8. Pets And The Lease Agreement
If you have clearly stated in your lease agreement, that you do not want any pets on your property, a good tenant will respect your wishes. A bad tenant might try to hide the fact that they have one and then find any excuse to stay in your property, regardless of your wishes.
It can be hard to find the perfect tenant, so it might be in your best interest to hire a property management company. A professional property manager can screen tenants for you, to find the one who will take the best care of your property and pay their rent on time.
