Swipe Right on Renters: Finding Your Perfect Tenant Match

There are tenants, and then there are tornados. You know the type—the ones who sweep into your rental like they’re on a world tour, leaving behind unpaid bills, mysterious stains on the carpet, and maybe even a hole in the wall that nobody can explain.

Before you know it, you’re caught in a storm, wondering how you ended up in this mess.

But fear not, dear landlord! While you can’t always predict the weather, you can spot the warning signs of a potential tenant tornado before it blows your plans to bits. Your mission? Find that calm, refreshing breeze of a tenant—someone who pays rent on time, respects your property, and treats your place like it’s their home.

It’s all about asking the right questions, checking the right boxes, and having a keen eye for those pesky red flags before they escalate into a full-blown disaster.

Grab your umbrella, and let’s talk about choosing a tenant who brings sunny days instead of stormy nights!

Know Your Ideal Tenant (A.K.A. Mr. or Ms. Right)

Before the applications come rolling in, you need to have a clear idea of the type of tenant you want. Do you picture a quiet, book-loving professional? Or maybe a family with kids who’ll treat your home as their own (and hopefully not redecorate your walls with crayons)?

Different properties attract different tenants, so think about who your space is best suited for.

A few questions to ponder:

• Do you want long-term stability, or are you cool with someone sticking around for just a year?
• Pets: In my house or not in my house?
• Are you okay with kids, or does the thought of spilled juice on your carpets make you cringe?

Having a clear renter profile will help you take out applicants who just don’t fit.

Craft an Irresistible Listing (Like Swipe-Right Worthy)

Instead of writing a basic ad like “2-bedroom apartment for rent”, try something that will stand out in the sea of listings.

Highlight the best features of your property, whether it’s the bright natural light, the proximity to that trendy coffee shop everyone’s Instagramming, or the built-in dishwasher (we all know the struggle of washing dishes by hand).

Be clear about the rent, any fees, and deposit requirements upfront. No one likes a mystery, especially when it comes to money.

The more transparent you are, the more you’ll attract serious renters.

Set Some Ground Rules (Screening Criteria)

Before you start reviewing applications, figure out what’s non-negotiable for you. You want a reliable renter, right? So, make sure you’ve got clear screening criteria.

Here’s what you should look for:

• Credit Score: You don’t need someone with a perfect one, but make sure they’re financially stable. A high score means they’re likely to pay on time. Low score? Red flag!
  
• Income: The golden rule is three times the rent. If your rent is 2,000 a month, your tenant should make at least 6,000. If they’re barely scraping by, you might end up playing debt collector (and nobody wants that).
  
• Rental History: Talk to previous landlords. Did they pay rent on time? Were they clean and respectful?

Having these criteria in place will save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.

Background and Credit Checks

Running a background and credit check is like your personal insurance policy.

A credit check will give you insight into how they handle their finances, while a background check might reveal any criminal history

There are plenty of online services that do this for you, and it’s worth every penny. Just remember, you need your tenant’s permission to run these checks—otherwise, you’ll be the one in legal hot water!

Stability is The Key

You want a tenant who’s going to stick around. Long-term tenants save you from the constant turnover headache and keep the rent rolling in steadily.

But how do you spot a tenant who’ll stay for the long haul?

Look for:

• Job Stability: Tenants with steady employment are more likely to pay rent on time and stay put. No one wants to risk losing their dream home because they can’t pay the bills.
  
• Rental History: Tenants who have a history of bouncing from one place to another every six months are probably not going to treat your property like a long-term home. Choose someone who’s stayed in previous rentals for a decent period.

While there’s no crystal ball to predict the future, a bit of history can go a long way in finding a reliable renter.

Trust Your Gut

Look, sometimes you’ll get a good feeling about a tenant—and sometimes you won’t. If your gut tells you that someone seems trustworthy, but their credit score is a bit lower than you’d like, weigh the pros and cons.

On the flip side, if someone looks great on paper but gives off bad vibes in person, listen to your instincts.

Remember: You want a tenant who checks all the right boxes and feels like a good fit. It’s your property—don’t settle for anything less.

Keep the Communication Lines Open

Once your tenant moves in, don’t disappear. Maintain open lines of communication to address any issues or questions they may have.

A responsive landlord is more likely to keep good tenants happy and rent long-term.

Plus, if they like you (and know you’ll take care of any problems), they’ll be more likely to refer you to others or even renew their lease when the time comes. Win-win!

Choosing the right tenant is part detective work, part gut instinct, and part good business sense.

With a little patience, some solid screening, and a few interviews, you’ll find someone who treats your rental property like a home and pays rent on time.

And that, my friends, is the ultimate landlord win.