Pre-screening: What Makes an Applicant a Great Potential Renter


Managing a property on one’s own can often be a challenging task, but never more prevalent is that fact then when screening potential tenants. The web is filled to the brim with nightmare tales of property owners acquiring less than stellar renters for units, but how does one combat this? 

Our clients here at REAL Star Property Management benefit from our extensive background checks that not only verify a potential tenant’s identity, but also ensure that they haven’t falsified any information regarding employment and credit history. Below we’ve compiled four qualities that our REAL Star Property Management team believes all greats tenants have in common. Let’s see what it takes for a potential renter to pass the test.

Employment:

Job stability is key. Without consistent employment and a dependable paycheck, eviction may have to take place. Eviction often results in unneeded expenses, legal fees and lost rent. Our comprehensive screening includes criminal, credit, income, and employment verification.

Ability to pay on time:

A late paying tenant, which is often seen as a plus due to late fees, is really a renter that is more likely to stop paying all together. There should be no question mark when collecting rent payments.

Drug Free:

Tenants who engage in illegal activities are a huge red flag and rarely ever make great long-term renters. We advise to avoid all high-risk applicants that engage in questionable pastimes.

Great References:

An amazing applicant usually comes with excellent references. Verifying all listed ensures incoming applicants have previously left great impressions at prior properties, this includes checking for any past evictions and whether or not a damage deposit was collected.

A tenant application can only tell you so much and can easily be manipulative, which is why having an industry-leading property management team behind you is extremely beneficial. Screening a tenant means searching for and confirming all information provided, as well as checking for any suspect activity. It is better to be safe than sorry, as quality renters are essential to maintaining a property’s integrity and ensuring a return on investment. 

REAL Star Property Management, with offices in both Temple, TX, and Killeen, TX, is comprised of dedicated property managers who screen effectively and employ deep analysis to single out the best possible applicant for our client’s properties.

Book an appointment with one of our top property mangers today for a property management consultation by calling 254-935-2392.