How to attract responsible tenants
1. Capture strong photos of your property
- Use a good camera to take high-quality images
- Clean and stage the space, if possible
- Consider the lighting and angles
- Take exterior and interior photos
- Include photos of local amenities and floor plans
2. Create a listing that appeals to the right tenants
Listing Details & Best Practices | Residential Property Tips | Commercial Property Tips |
Property description: Be informative but concise. Include key details that may be of interest to your ideal tenant. For example, square footage is a crucial detail relevant to every applicant, but there are other building features that may entice certain tenants. |
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Location and amenities: Include details of what is in the area that benefits a tenant. If there are any building amenities that can attract certain tenants (e.g., who value convenience and lifestyle amenities), mention those too. |
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Utilities and building services: Clarify which utilities are included in the rent and which ones are the responsibility of the tenant. If possible, highlight energy-efficient features, maintenance, and any other services. |
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Screening criteria: Be aware of fair housing laws and ensure screening criteria do not discriminate. Be clear and concise about requirements while providing enough information to attract suitable tenants. |
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Rent incentives: Give details of any promotional rent deductions or perks when signing a lease (e.g., first month rent-free, discounts for certain utility providers, etc.) |
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3. Place your listing where searching tenants will find it
- Rental listing sites and apps (e.g., Zillow)
- Social media (e.g., Facebook Marketplace)
- Local listing sites (e.g., Craigslist)
- Section 8 housing (if you’re eligible through your Public Housing Authority)
- Flyers for multi-home rental properties and commercial buildings
- For RentorLeasingsigns on the property
- Hosting an open house
- News listings
4. Consider the time of year for listing your rental
To help make the process of collecting applications quicker, include an application form in your listing so interested candidates can send it immediately.
How do I screen potential tenants effectively?
1. Use a rental application form
- Confirming employment, income, and credit scores
- Getting permission for credit or background checks
- Collecting contact details for references
2. Check references
- Were they evicted, or did they leave on good terms?
- Did they take good care of the home?
- Were they courteous to neighbors or other business tenants?
- Would you rent to them again in the future?
- Did they pay rent in full and on time?
3. Check credit and background, if needed
4. Interview applicants with the best potential
- How do you envision the rental space supporting your business operations?
- Do you see any potential expansion or changes in your business?
- Can you comply with insurance requirements?
- How long have you been in business?
- How do you prefer to handle routine maintenance requests?
- Who else will be residing in the property with you?
- What kind of pets do you have?
LawDepot’s Commercial Rental Application and Residential Rental Application allow you to customize a form for all your potential tenants to complete that complies with state and federal laws. |
How do I avoid tenant scams?
- Check for false rental history. Ask landlord references about a tenant's history and cross-reference what they have put on their application. You can also cross- reference old bills as proof of a former address to be sure a tenant has lived where they say they have.
- Look for false employment records, such as fake pay stubs. Asking for employment references (or a signed Employment Offer Letter) will help you ensure they can meet rent obligations.
How to choose between two qualified tenant applications
- Use a first come, first serve basis. This is a standard option that helps avoid discrimination concerns, should they arise in the future. Whoever completes the application first is who you go with as a new tenant.
- Base your decision on qualifications. Although the applicants may have much in common, one may have a higher quality application. For instance, they may have good credit scores only a few percentage points apart, but the better score ultimately wins.
What should landlords know about tenant applications, screening, and the law?
The Fair Housing Act and anti-discrimination laws
- Holding one applicant to a higher standard than another based on marital status
- Asking what an applicant’s first language is or what country they were born in
- Asking for a higher security deposit for a family over a single occupant
- Asking an applicant about their sexuality