What Should You Be Looking for When Screening Potential Tenants?

Do you currently have a vacancy in one of your Miami rental properties, and you’re getting ready to screen new tenants? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

There’s no doubt that tenant screening can be a hassle, and a frustrating experience for some landlords, because the simple fact that it can potentially take some time to screen tenants in order to find the most qualified individual to rent to.

Yes, there are a wide variety of Miami tenant screening services available on the internet, but the truth is that unless you really know what to look for with it’s still possible to potentially rent to the wrong tenant, even though the tenant screening service may show that they are someone that you should consider renting to.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a list of things that you should look for during the process of screening a new tenant to live in your rental property in Miami.

#1 – Eviction History

Eviction history is by far one of the most important things that you should be looking for when investigating a tenant before renting to them.

Although it’s not uncommon for some tenants to have at least one eviction, you may want to consider creating a company policy where you will not rent to tenants who have had an eviction within the last 7 years.

Even if you currently are reviewing a tenant who has had an eviction within the last 7 years, you should still consider the reason behind the eviction, and if the tenant has what’s classified as a “satisfied eviction”, meaning that they paid all the back rent that they owed to their former landlord and also the costs of the eviction.

#2 – Criminal History

Remember, in today’s rental market, you cannot discriminate against anyone, especially someone who may happen to have a criminal background, or a felony within the last five years.

Even though it’s getting harder not to rent to tenants who may have criminal histories, the good news is that you can specify which criminal histories you are willing to consider, and which ones you will not consider.

For example, you may want to consider creating a company policy which states that you will not rent to tenants you have “violent criminal histories” but you may consider renting to tenants you have nonviolent criminal histories.

#3 – Rental History

Last of all, but most important, another thing to consider before renting to a tenant is their rental history.

This is very important because of the simple fact that if an individual has a rental history which shows that they’ve lived in places for an average of six months or less, this is a good indication that they may potentially skip out on you if you require them to sign a 12-month lease.

Prospective tenants should always have reasons for “why” their rental history looks like it does. If someone is unable to explain why they move periodically, or have gaps between their rental history, you should always consider continuing your search for the right tenant.

Contact Miami Property Management

For more tenant screening tips, or speak with us about our Property Management Services, contact us today by clicking here.

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