Tenant Screening Best Practices



Are you struggling to find good tenants? Have you had negative experiences with troublesome tenants? This article aims to provide guidance on this matter.

The Importance of Rental Applications

When you decide to rent out your property and find tenants, it is important to have them fill out a rental application. You can either download one from the internet or purchase a rental agreement from local stores such like Staples. Once you have shown the units and attracted interested parties, it is essential that every individual over the age of 18 (even if they are family) fills out an application.

Conducting Credit Checks

Additionally, make sure to obtain their permission to conduct a credit check. There are several websites that charge small fees and provide information on tenants, allowing you to run their credit.

Verification of Employment and Income

Next, request their most recent paystubs, preferably from the past month. If they are newly employed, ask for an employment letter.

Checking Landlord References

It is important to check their landlord references. We recommend contacting both their current and previous landlords to ensure consistency in their stories. You can inquire about various aspects such as lease violations, cleanliness, rent payment punctuality, any concerns you should be aware of, and whether they would rent to them again. These are all crucial questions to ask. 

Feeling overwhelmed by these tasks? Consider hiring a real estate professional who can handle all of these for you. Ultimately, it is best to entrust these responsibilities to the experts who can excel at what they do.

Screening Tenants? Use CL Boston Property Management

CL Boston Property Management has been managing properties in the Greater Boston area (as well as Boston proper) for over 20 years. Our experience and proven track record have created scores of thrilled clients and happy tenants. When you need professional property management, call CL Boston Property Management!

Other CL Boston Property Management Services

• Apartment Marketing
• Online Rent Collection
• Tenant Background Check
• More Boston Property Management Services

As a full-service property management firm, we understand the challenges faced by property owners and have the expertise to handle them on your behalf. We are property management firm, build by property owners, for property owners, we have seen and done it all so you don’t have to.

CL Boston Property Management - we are here when you are!