Have a checklist of searching questions that allows you to collect basic details, such as:
How many people will be living there?
Can they provide references?
Can they pay the security deposit?
Why are they moving?
Contact details ?
Inform prospective tenants of the rent, property features, deposit required, lease term, etc. Your goal with the initial phone contact is to get suitable tenants to arrange a viewing of the property.
Let the applicant know that his or her application will be considered along with others, and you will notify the applicant once a decision is made.
Will pay their rent on time and in full;
Can provide good references;
Will respect the property and not cause damage;
Wont cause annoyance or disturbance to neighbours;
Will stay for the duration of the lease.
Always be objective. Don’t discriminate and act quickly, as prospective tenants will almost certainly be viewing a number of properties.
Get a holding deposit from your chosen tenant as soon as possible in order to take the property off the market. Once you receive a holding deposit, give the tenant a receipt for it. Inform the tenant that offering him ofher the property is subject to satisfactory reference checks.
Always look for at least two written references. Suitable references include:
EMPLOYER – this should include the name, address and telephone number of the employer. How long has the person been in their job? Is it a permanent position?
Previous Landlord – always look for a reference from a previous landlord. How long did the tenant live there?
Bank – if the tenant does not have a bank account or building society account, how are they going to pay the rent?
Always check the references and that the referee actually exists. Also, ask for photo ID such as a passport in order to verify the tenant’s identity. Once you are happy with the references, arrange a move in day with the tenant, and then the real fun begins!