Landlords Need to Qualify Tenants

Q. My wife and I have a lovely home that we have spent many years fixing up and improving.  We love our home, but I have accepted an out of state job offer.  I think we should sell our house, but my wife wants to keep it and rent it out.  She is afraid that if we don’t like the area we are moving to, we won’t be able to buy again in this area due to soaring house prices.  While I have to agree with her, I don’t want my house ruined by tenants.  I know they won’t take care of my home because they don’t own it.  What do you think we should do?

A. The idea that a tenant won’t take care of your home is very much overplayed.  The truth is that there are many wonderful tenants out there who would love to take care of your home.  The trick is to find them.  Just because a person or family cannot afford or chooses not to buy a home, doesn’t mean that they are not caring and responsible people.  There is a strong demand by great tenants for well-kept, “above-average homes”.  Unfortunately, many rentals are kept in a “barely habitable” state by landlords because they share the idea that there is no need to fix it up since it will get destroyed anyway.

If a landlord is unfortunate enough to rent to a destructive tenant, the reason behind it can usually lead back to the landlord’s lack of homework before turning  over the keys.  Be sure to do a credit check through any one of the 3 major credit  reporting agencies. In addition, take the time to check with several past landlords  (not just the current one), check employment, personal references, and take the  time to get to know your tenant before you rent to them.  A quality tenant will  appreciate the time you spend with them to develop a relationship of mutual respect. 

If you have any questions concerning your rental property, please call my office anytime at (805) 474-0100. I always enjoy hearing from you! Nancy Puder is the property manager and owner of Signature Properties, 124 S. Halcyon Rd #D, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. Service areas are The Five Cities/Beach areas, SLO, Nipomo and Santa Maria.