Tenant screening is one of the keys to success when it comes to owning rental properties in Portland Oregon, or elsewhere nationwide.
What most new landlords don’t know is that screening can be a simple and effective process if the following steps are followed.
Develop A Tenant Screening Process And Stick With It
Screening isn’t that difficult once you get started but the key is to follow the same process with each tenant because doing so will help you to avoid being accused of discrimination or possibly sued by a prospective tenant if you choose to not rent to them.
During the process of tenant screening, it’s important to never write comments on a prospective tenant’s application because those comments could be used against you in court if you’re sued for turning down their application.
Do The Research
In the 21st century, it’s easier than ever for tenants to fake rental references, especially if they have evictions or other problems in their past that they would like to hide.
Thankfully, landlords can easily spot fake rental references simply by using online tools like simple Google searches, checking social media profiles, and using reverse lookup technology to verify phone numbers.
Don’t just take a tenant’s word for it, investigate their references, job history, and income sources because they may be using technology to cover up their past and hide the truth from prospective landlords.
Hire A Property Manager
Last of all, but most important, if you don’t want to invest the time into tenant screening, it’s best to hire a property manager to handle that aspect of property management for you.
Besides tenant screening, a property manager will also assist you with property marketing, accounting, maintenance, customer service, and more!
To learn more about the property management services that we can offer you, contact us today by clicking here to connect with us online.
