TENANT SCREENING
Reduce risk of property damage: Screening tenants can help prevent damage to your property. By checking references, credit history, and criminal background, you can minimize the risk of having tenants who engage in behavior that could damage your property. Ensure timely rent payments: Screening tenants also helps ensure that rent will be paid on time. By checking credit history, you can determine if the tenant has a history of paying bills on time and if they have the financial means to pay their rent each month. Avoid problematic tenants: Problematic tenants can cause stress and can be a major headache for landlords. Screening tenants helps identify individuals who have a history of disruptive behavior, such as engaging in criminal activity, violating lease terms, or not paying rent. Protect the safety of other tenants: By screening tenants, you can ensure that you are not placing other tenants at risk. For example, if you are aware of a potential tenant's criminal history, you can take steps to mitigate the risk to other tenants in the building. Maintain the reputation of your property: Screening tenants can help maintain the reputation of your property. By ensuring that tenants are responsible, trustworthy and will fulfill their obligations, you can maintain the reputation of your property and attract quality tenants in the future.
Tools for screening tenants
There are several websites and companies that offer tenant screening services to landlords and property managers. Here are a few popular options:
Experian RentBureau: A credit reporting agency that provides landlords with credit and background checks on potential tenants.
TransUnion SmartMove: A tenant screening service that provides credit reports, criminal background checks, and eviction history information.
Cozy: A property management platform that offers tenant screening services, including credit and background checks, to landlords and property managers.
RentCheck: A tenant screening service that provides credit reports, criminal background checks, and eviction history information to landlords and property managers.
CoreLogic SafeRent: A tenant screening service that provides credit reports, criminal background checks, and eviction history information to landlords and property managers.
MyScreeningReport: A tenant screening service that provides credit reports, criminal background checks, and eviction history information to landlords and property managers.
Keycheck.com: KeyCheck provides landlords and property managers with comprehensive tenant screening services, including credit reports, criminal background checks, and eviction history information. The service is designed to help landlords make informed decisions about renting to potential tenants by providing accurate and up-to-date information.
These are just a few examples of the many tenant screening services available. It is important to research and compare different options to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
Items below are necessary documents to obtain from your future tenant:
Application forms Credit reports Criminal background checks Employment/income verification Previous landlord references
Where do you currently reside?
Why are you moving? What is your employment status? How many people will be living in the unit? What is your monthly income? Have you been evicted before? May I contact your previous landlord?
RED FLAGS & WARNING SIGNS TO LOOK FOR
When reviewing a tenant's application, there are several red flags that you should be aware of. Here are some common warning signs to look out for:
Incomplete or falsified information: If the tenant's application is missing important information, or if the information provided appears to be falsified, it may be a sign of a problem.
Poor credit history: A tenant with a history of missed payments, high debt, or a recent bankruptcy can be a red flag.
Criminal history: If a tenant has a criminal record, it is important to consider the nature of the crime and whether it may pose a risk to other tenants or to the property.
Employment history: A tenant with a history of frequent job changes or long periods of unemployment may be less stable and more likely to fall behind on rent payments.
Inconsistent or conflicting information: If the tenant's application contains information that conflicts with other sources, such as references or previous landlords, it may be a sign of a problem.
Uncooperative or evasive behavior: If a tenant is uncooperative or evasive during the application process, it may be a sign that they are hiding something.
Unusual references: If a tenant provides references that seem unusual or unreliable, it may be a red flag.
These red flags should be taken into consideration, along with other factors such as the tenant's income, rental history, and personal references, when making a decision on whether to rent to a tenant. However, it is important to keep in mind that each situation is unique, and not all red flags may be cause for concern.
how to DECLINe A TENANT'S APPLICATION
DECLINING A TENANT'S APPLICATION
Declining a tenant application can be a delicate task, as you want to maintain a professional demeanor and avoid violating any fair housing laws. Here are some steps you can follow when declining a tenant application:
Review the reasons for decline: Make sure you have a clear understanding of why you are declining the tenant application and that your reasons are in compliance with fair housing laws.
Be honest and clear: Be straightforward with the tenant about why their application was declined. Explain the specific reasons for the decline, but avoid making negative or discriminatory statements.
Provide written documentation: Provide the tenant with a written explanation of the reasons for the decline. This documentation can help to protect you in case of any legal disputes.
Offer alternative options: If possible, consider offering alternative options to the tenant, such as a different rental property or a referral to another landlord.
Follow the law: Make sure that you comply with all fair housing laws and regulations when declining a tenant application. This includes avoiding discriminatory statements or actions based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability.
By following these steps, you can decline a tenant application in a professional and respectful manner, while also protecting yourself from potential legal issues. It is important to remember that every situation is unique, and you may need to adjust your approach based on the specific circumstances.
accepting a tenant
Here is a checklist of documents you may need prior to move-in day:
Proof of identity, such as a government-issued ID
Proof of income, such as pay stubs or a letter from an employer
1st month rent (cashier's check or preferred Zelle deposit)
security deposit (cashier's check or preferred Zelle deposit)
In addition to these documents, you should also conduct a move-in inspection and walk-through with the tenant to make sure everything is in good condition and working order. This can include checking the following:
Electrical and plumbing systems
Heating and cooling systems
Windows, doors, and locks
Appliances such as refrigerator, stove, oven, and dishwasher
Lighting fixtures
Flooring, walls, and ceilings for any damage or repairs needed
Bathrooms and kitchen
Smoke detectors and fire safety equipment
Pest control measures
Having a written record of the condition of the apartment at move-in can help avoid disputes later on. You may consider taking photos or creating a video tour of the property to document its condition. Below is an example of move-in / move-out property check list.
eviction process
As a landlord, it's important to understand the eviction process and be prepared for the possibility of having to evict a tenant. Having a clear rental agreement in place, following proper notice procedures, and having a good understanding of the local laws and regulations can help minimize the risk of eviction and ensure a smooth process if it becomes necessary. It's also important to understand the emotional and financial impact that evicting a tenant can have, and to consider all options before proceeding with the eviction.
Below is a general process of evicting a tenant in California:
Serve a notice: Before filing an eviction lawsuit, the landlord must first serve the tenant with a written notice, such as a 30-day notice to vacate for a tenant who has lived in the property for less than a year, or a 60-day notice for a tenant who has lived in the property for more than a year.
File an unlawful detainer lawsuit: If the tenant does not vacate the property after the notice period has expired, the landlord can file an unlawful detainer lawsuit in court.
Serve the tenant with the summons and complaint: The tenant must be personally served with a copy of the summons and complaint, or the landlord can post a copy of the documents on the property and mail a copy to the tenant.
Tenant’s response: The tenant has five days (not counting weekends and holidays) to file a written response to the complaint.
Court hearing: If the tenant does not respond, the landlord can request a default judgment. If the tenant responds, the court will schedule a hearing, usually within 20-30 days after the tenant was served.
Judgment: After the hearing, the judge will issue a written judgment either in favor of the landlord or the tenant.
Writ of Possession: If the judgment is in favor of the landlord, the court will issue a Writ of Possession, allowing the sheriff to remove the tenant from the property.
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