Thursday, December 19, 2013

Do’s and Don’ts Tenant Screening


This one goes out to all of the new landlords, or those feeling hurried with the hustle and bustle of the end-of-the-year:


Do:

Call the tenant’s references listed on the rental application.


Don’t:

Email or text the tenant’s references. You need to speak to a REAL person.

DO: Pick up the phone & speak with references


Do:

Run a credit check.


Don’t:

Ask the tenant applicant for a credit score and take their word for it.


Do:

Verify employment. Check a website, make a phone call and get proof the applicant is employed where they claim to be.


Don’t:

Take “self-employed” as an answer. Request W-2’s to prove there is an actual income!


Do:

Verify identity with license or government issued form of ID.


Don’t:

Ask them about their religion, sexual preferences, or native origin. It’s none of your business and has no weight on your decision to enter into a lease according to the Fair Housing Laws of the United States.


For this and more information about tenant screening, please visit our website at http://www.atshome.com


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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Landlord Christmas List


Are you making a list and checking it twice? Here’s our list of people every landlord should include on his/her Christmas list!

 
Make your list, and check it twice!

1.      Your tenants: They like to know you are thinking of them during the holidays. A personalized not goes a long way in keeping the relationship running smoothly.

2.      Your trusty handyman: If he works weekends or holidays, you might want to send him more than a card. A bottle of wine or gift card to Home Depot couldn’t hurt either!

3.      Your security man (or service provider): Goes without saying, let them know you appreciate the work!

 

Others not to forget!

 

4.      Office Assistants: Because without them, you’d be completely disorganized!

5.      Property Managers: After all, you trust them with your investment

6.      Trash provider: Not an easy job, especially if you have multiple units

7.      Lawyers: As much as they love when you call for a problem, they like to hear from you when things are going well, too!

8.      Tenant Screening provider: Just because J

9.      Mail carrier: Their job isn’t easy either, especially if your property has multiple units and frequent change of faces.

10.  Real estate agents: You never know when you’ll have to call them up for help in filling a vacancy or buying a great investment property!

 

For this and more info on landlording, please visit us at http://www.alwaysscreen.com

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Landords: Planning to take a holiday break? Here’s how!


We know that working in the property management industry it’s almost impossible to “disconnect” and break away for a vacation. But, perhaps this year you can no longer put off that trip to see Grandma for Christmas, OR you’re finally taking a long weekend to go skiing. After all, landlords deserve vacation, too! 

 
Before you take a holiday vaca, make sure your interim landlord is prepared!


So, assuming there is someone that you trust implicitly being left at the helm, here’s our advice on ways to ensure things go smoothly in your absence:

 

1.      Make sure your stand-in has the names, phone numbers and and addresses every single one of your current tenants.

2.      Provide your sub with an extra set of keys that are PROPERLY LABELED for each unit.

3.      Leave behind a credit card or some signed blank checks in the event theirs a major event (i.e. costly repair) that is needed while you’re away

4.      Send your tenants a letter or email informing them of your vacation plans, and the name of your substitute landlord, and all of their important emergency contact info.

 

Just taking a few extra precautions can ensure you get a restful break from the daily grind of landlording.

 

For this and more tips on managing your properties over the holidays, please visit our website.