At position #73, Orlando is one of the top 100 best places to live in America.
This makes Orlando an attractive destination for individuals and families seeking a high quality of life.
For property owners in the city, this means higher rents and the need to be more selective when it comes to choosing tenants.
To help you find the best tenants for your Orlando rental property, we’ve put together a list of five tenant screening strategies that work.
1. Personal Interview
A personal interview in tenant screening is your opportunity to get to know the potential tenant and get a feel for their personality.
You'll want to ask about their current living situation, employment history, and rental history. It would help if you also asked about their credit history and why they're looking for a new place to live.
Prepare a list of questions ahead of the interview and take notes of everything the potential tenants say during the interview. Also, ask follow-up questions if something isn’t clear.
2. Review the Tenants’ Credit Report
Your potential tenant's credit score is one of the most critical factors in determining whether or not they're a good fit for your property.
A high credit score means they're likely to pay their rent on time and keep up with other financial obligations. On the other hand, a low credit score could indicate that the tenant is more likely to fall behind on rent or damage your property.
You should get a copy of the potential tenant's credit report from a credit-reporting agency. Then, look for red flags such as late payments, bankruptcies, or foreclosures.
3. Check Their Rental History
A good rental history will show that the tenant has consistently paid their rent on time and taken care of the property they've previously rented.
On the other hand, a bad rental history could indicate that the tenant is more likely to damage your property or fall behind on rent.
The best way to acquire the tenant's rental history is to contact the tenant's previous landlords. Ask the landlords about the tenant's rental history, including whether they paid their rent on time and how they cared for the property.
If the rental history is terrible, ask the tenant to explain why.
4. Verify Their Employment History
Good employment history will show that the tenant is likely to be able to afford the rent and that they're stable in their job.
On the contrary, a bad employment history could indicate that the tenant is more likely to lose their job and fall behind on rent.
Contact the tenant's current and past employers and ask them about the tenant's job stability and income.
5. Use Property Management Experts
Orlando property management services can help you find the best tenants for your rental property. They have the experience and resources to screen potential tenants and find those who are most likely to be a good fit for your property.
Working with a property management company will also save you time and hassle in the process of screening tenants.
Invest in Tenant Screening Services Orlando, Florida
Now that you know how to screen tenants, you can identify good tenants who will pay on time, live harmoniously, and maintain your property.
You can trust us at HomeRiver Group for reliable tenant screening to streamline your property renting process. Contact us today for more information.
