Navigating Tenant Screening: Finding the Right Tenants for Your Property

Your life as a landlord is made so much easier when you have dependable, friendly tenants in your property. However, landing the right tenants is often more challenging than expected, with many landlords coming unstuck by someone who causes damage or doesn’t pay rent on time. Below, we explore some essential steps for finding the ideal tenant when it’s time to lease your home or investment property.

Conduct a pre-screening

An effective approach for avoiding bad tenants involves pre-screening applicants before they’ve even finished completing the application. This process doesn’t have to be complicated.

Just by letting potential applicants know you’ll be conducting reference checks or criminal background checks, you can avoid applications from people that you don’t intend to lease to.

Just remember there are legal responsibilities you have to uphold as a landlord in South Australia.

Get proof of income

Once you’ve received applications, getting potential tenants to provide an acceptable form of identification and proof of their income reduces your risk. Naturally, if someone has a solid career and more than enough income to pay rent, you can expect to avoid issues.

However, just because someone says they have certain employment doesn’t mean you should always take their word for it. You should take steps to verify their claims and protect yourself against inappropriate tenants moving into your property.

Review rental history

Reviewing an applicant’s rental history is crucial to finding a good fit for your property. If someone knows they’re a good tenant, they won’t have any problem supplying references from past landlords and property managers.

With this information, you can gain a thorough overview of a candidate and hear from people who have dealt with them personally. During this process, ask questions that consider the applicant’s reliability as a previous tenant.

Watch out for red flags

Throughout these stages, it should become obvious who’s a great tenant. However, it’s wise to pay attention to certain red flags along the way. For example, if someone is a poor communicator during the application process, it might get worse if they become your tenant.

Meanwhile, perhaps reconsider someone who is hesitant to undergo a background check or doesn’t have any references to share. While there might be legitimate reasons for these concerns, it might suggest the candidate doesn’t want you looking too closely at their rental history.

Speak to the experts

Get in touch with the experts at InStyle Property Management to get informed advice about leasing in Adelaide. Our highly experienced team can help you manage your investments to achieve your goals.