How to find the perfect tenant
As a landlord, finding the perfect tenants for your home is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free renting experience. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of finding reliable and responsible tenants who will take care of your home.
We believe all homes deserve the best marketing, and it’ll only help attract your ideal tenant. Presentation is key, which is why we provide professional marketing on all properties, as we feel it should be non-negotiable. Additionally, there are some things you can consider to make your property stand out and appeal to a person who would happily live in your property.
1. Enhance curb appeal: First impressions matter. Maintain the exterior and consider adding some welcoming touches like potted plants or a fresh coat of paint to the front door. For the marketing visit, move bins out of the way for photos and consider decluttering where possible. This can be simply removing tea towels, clearing kitchen sides, etc.
2. Maintain a clean and well-maintained property: Ensure that your property is tidy and in good condition. This includes fixing any visible damages, repainting if necessary, and ensuring all appliances are in working order. Consider regrouting around tiles and checking the sealants around bathrooms and kitchens.
Now you’ve attracted the tenants, you want a thorough referencing process to check they are reliable and financially stable. The last thing you want is to be responsible for two mortgages, with a property rented to someone who isn’t paying their rent on time. Here are some steps to follow.
1. Background checks: Conduct comprehensive checks on potential tenants, including employment verification and credit history. This will help you assess their financial stability and reliability.
2. Contact previous landlords: Reach out to previous landlords to gather information about the tenant's behaviour, payment history, and any issues they may have encountered during their tenancy. This will provide valuable insights into their suitability as tenants.
3. Income verification: Request proof of income, such as payslips or employment contracts, to ensure that potential tenants have a stable source of income to meet their rental obligations.
You’ve vetted the tenants, and you are happy to move forward. Now is the opportunity to make sure everyone is on the same page, and you have a healthy relationship moving forward. If you are using an estate agent, the same advice applies, you want to be sure they are working in your interests only and not their own, which can be the trouble with companies and their staff trying to hit targets. Simply put at Mortlock & Joyce, if we wouldn’t move them into our own property, we wouldn’t recommend you to either. Here are some communication tips:
1. Clear expectations: Communicate your expectations regarding rent payment, maintenance responsibilities, and any specific rules or regulations. Provide a written document outlining these expectations to avoid any misunderstandings.
2. Prompt responses: Respond to tenant enquiries and concerns in a timely manner. This will help build trust and ensure that any issues are addressed promptly.
3. Regular check-ins: Schedule periodic check-ins with your tenants to address any maintenance needs, ensure their satisfaction, and maintain a good rapport.
Being a landlord can be an amazing investment, but also time-consuming. If you’re looking for some advice on how to find the right tenant, not just any tenant, then we’d be more than happy to walk you through our process.
