Just as Human Resource departments have to provide a safe work place, free from threat and violence, it is incumbent on Property Managers and Landlords to do the same thing. The greatest asset a rental property can have is a long-term, happy tenant. By creating an environment that is safe and secure, long-term tenants can provide an excellent return on investment. Not only will they become a reliable source of income, word-of-mouth from existing tenants will attract new tenants.
There are several steps a Landlord and/or Property Manager can take to create a safe environment, beyond physical manifestations of security such as key-code entry, security guards and limited free access.
New tenants must be fully vetted prior to move-in.
- Tenant Interview. Face-to-face interviews can create a significant comfort level both for the manager and the tenant. A carefully worded and crafted interview can provide significant insight to a tenant’s mindset. Also, appearance, attitude and manners can play a significant role toward decision making.
- Tenant Background Check. Often there are several reports and/or documents that can be provided for review that will assist a manager in making a decision on a tenant.
- Criminal History. At the County level a Criminal History check can be a good indicator of future behavior. However, it is important to understand the limits of Criminal History. In most cases a Criminal History review can only go back seven years and will only provide convictions. At the County level it will only show convictions within that jurisdiction.
- National Criminal Records. A National Criminal Records review will provide information on convictions that occur outside a specified jurisdiction, such as a County. While a County record will certainly report the most current information, a nationwide search will provide a broader scope of information.
- Evictions. An obvious choice but often is overlooked, especially if a Credit Report comes back relatively clean.
- Credit Report. The key document in understanding a potential tenant’s ability to provide fiscal responsibility in fulfilling terms of a lease or tenant agreement.
- Nationwide Sex Offenders Report. Sex offenders can be transient and relying on a single state report would be a mistake.
Understanding an individual’s or couple’s past may provide an indicator to their future, but it is important to utilize a third-party provider that understands and operates under the requirements of all local regulations. Further, third-party providers utilize the most up-to-date information and data.
Vetting tenants in a thorough manner will greatly assist a manager in making a decision both on new tenants as well as maintaining a safe environment. While no one can predict anyone’s behavior with absolute certainty, conducting a personal interview and systematic background check will greatly reduce the potential.
Contact TenantScreeningUSA.com today for more information on low-cost, high-value tenant screening.
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