| For the novice landlord, managing the first | | | | children that will be living in the apartment, pets, |
| property can be quite vexing if you end up signing | | | | whether or not the individual is a smoker. |
| with a tenant that is uncooperative, and does not | | | | It is important to see which pieces of information |
| comply with the contract conditions. However, if | | | | the prospective tenant was apprehensive about |
| you engage in a proper screening method you will | | | | releasing; it may be an indication that something is |
| be sure to select the right person to live in your | | | | afoot. No matter how nice the person may seem, |
| space. | | | | never take a chance and always check |
| The screening process begins from the very | | | | references. Your screening process is your |
| moment that the person speaks on the phone | | | | insurance that you have chosen the right person. |
| with you. You must be perceptive and attune to | | | | The individual must be responsible and |
| how that person operates within a very short | | | | trustworthy. |
| period of time. Ask yourself, if the person is | | | | If you believe that you have chosen the right |
| punctual when you schedule a viewing of the | | | | person then it is appropriate to draft a lease |
| place. Is he or she well dressed? Ultimately, you | | | | agreement, outlining all aspects of the lease. Once |
| want to find out whether or not this person is | | | | you have done that, you can begin to work on |
| going take care of your space during the time | | | | the tenant-landlord relationship. |
| that he is living in it. | | | | It is important that you build a strong relationship |
| If the person is interested in moving into the | | | | with your tenant so that standards are upheld the |
| space, then you will need to take a holding fee in | | | | fullest. If you come to find out that your tenant is |
| order to begin the grunt work of screening. Have | | | | paying on time, complying with contract |
| the prospective tenant fill out a full application | | | | stipulations, taking good care of your property, |
| form. This form should include information like | | | | and allows access to the property for |
| employment details, previous address and landlord | | | | maintenance and the like, you should do |
| if applicable, credit rating, both personal and | | | | everything in your power to keep that person as |
| business references. You should also include | | | | a tenant. |
| behavioral questions on the form like; number of | | | | |