First Time Landlords – Tips for Success

By following these simple steps can ensure, you can be less likely to have tenant issues with your new rental property.

1) PRESENT A GREAT MAINTENANCE FREE PROPERTY

Prior to listing your property for lease, be sure you have addressed all issues no matter how small it may seem.  First time landlords, sometimes think that they can address the smaller issues once the property has been rented.  This is not the good idea, as the new tenant will see the property as problematic and issues that may not have otherwise been of concern become a bigger deal. Use Professional Photos for Listing; this helps to bring a higher level of client/tenant. If they see it is well taken care of they will also take good care.

2) MAINTAIN PROFESSIONAL DISTANCE (FROM TENANT)

First time Landlords often feel they need to be friends with tenant. This doesn’t always work out well.  When a “Friend” non “Professional” relation develops, most times without meaning malice or intent, The tenants can assume that because of the friendship they can do things that were not permitted by lease, or they will use the friendship to get more than was provided or offered in lease.  It is always best to maintain a friendly but “Professional Distance”.  1) Setup separate email address for correspondence with tenants. 2) State the best way to be contacted contact is via email, phone or text, whichever you feel most comfortable.

3) BE PROACTIVE WITH MAINTENANCE

Regular maintenance (ie: landscape/spa maintenance, etc) should be done at regular scheduled times, without the need to be called by tenants. This sends a clear signal that you know what is going on and they will be carful to also maintain good behaviors.

4) SET CLEAR GUIDELINES FOR USE OF PROPERTY

Set clear guidelines for use of the property that is presented to tenant with lease signing. Ie: no smoking on premises, now loud noise or gatherings after a certain time, do not paint or make any physical changes to property without prior landlord approval, no pets, etc.

5) BE RESPONSIVE TO QUESTIONS

Should maintenance issues or other concerns occur, address promptly and clearly. This establishes a trust and responsible relationship with tenants.

6) SCREEN TENANTS THOROUGHLY

With any online listing system, landlords have a built in background and credit screen system that can help to weed out potential problems. Be aware of red flags such as multiple moves with a year, low credit score, etc.  These systems are built into Zillow, Realtor.com Apartments.com, Westside Rentals.com and are generally free to landlords or for minimal cost $20 or so.. They will also provide Applications, and Lease Agreements. (I can also provide these)