Five Tips for Finding a Good Renter

All those who manage rental properties hope for the perfect tenant. Someone who will pay their rent on time, cause little trouble, and not leave the property in total disrepair. Unfortunately for property managers good tenants are hard to find. Luckily there are numerous red lights that can warn property managers of a potentially bad tenant. As a property manager be sure to look out for the following tell-tell signs that someone won't be your tenant of the month.

1. Overly eager applicants - If an applicant shows or calls and wants to rent an apartment sight unseen this could be potentially disastrous for the property manager. Those who are willing to take anything, even if it's a small Studio apartment that needs the shower fixed, are more than likely so desperate to find a place because they have been evicted from their current residence. If someone is too eager beware that they will probably only be in your property for a short time before you too are sending them an eviction notice.

2. The applicant asks if it is okay to pay by cash or money order because they don't like checks. - Very few people don't have a checking account these days so someone who says they don't use checks because they don't like them has probably had money troubles in the past. Perhaps they owe the bank money and can no longer get a checking account. Be weary of someone who asks several times if it is okay to pay with a money order or cash. And of course never accept cash because then you have no real record of the transaction. Of course there are some pople who don't have a checking account for other reasons. Money orders are better than checks anyway because you don't have to worry about the check bouncing.

3. The applicant tells you over and over again that their animals are housebroken - If a potential renter is constantly telling you that their dogs are housebroken, don't bite, and are very quite chances are they are the exact opposite. If pets are involved be sure to have a meeting with the pets present to ensure they won't be disruptive to your other tenants.

4. Lack of rental history - Some people aren't going to have a rental history because it's either their first apartment on their own or they previously owned a home. Of course if the applicant does not have a rental history that you can confirm be sure to get a detailed reason behind their lack of rental history. Attempt to get any references that will support the lack of rental history.

5. Lack of interest in the safety of the complex - Some might see this as a good sign that the potential tenant isn't concerned about safety in the area however if the applicant shows interest in the safety and activity in the area it shows they don't really care. Those who have a reasonable interest in safety are those who will make good tenants.