Tenant screening is an important part of managing properties in C Class areas. My advice: make sure you always meet tenants at the property. It can do wonders to protect your investment. From the moment that person arrives, their behavior can tell you a lot about what kind of tenant they will be.
Screening Starts the Moment They Arrive
As soon as a potential tenant walks through the door, pay close attention to how they present themselves. Did they show up on time? Are they respectful? These seemingly small factors can give you a glimpse into their level of responsibility. If someone is late or unprepared for the meeting, it could be a red flag. Time management and respect are key indicators of how they’ll treat the property, making this a crucial part of tenant screening.
Red Flags During the Walkthrough
One major sign to watch for during a meeting is how they talk about their previous landlord. Listen carefully. If they start bad-mouthing their past landlord, complaining about how “Mark is horrible,” or “He never fixed anything,” those same issues could follow them to your property.
While it’s easy to be charmed by a well-spoken tenant or to focus solely on their application, paying attention to their behavior and attitude in person is just as important. Meeting them at the property gives you an opportunity to gauge how they will interact with you as a landlord.
Choose Tenants Who Will Respect Your Property
Tenant screening isn’t just about background checks or credit scores—it’s about making sure you’re choosing people who will respect your property and follow through on their commitments.
In C Class areas, where challenges may be higher, this extra attention to detail can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
For more information about Marblestone Property Group, visit our about page or book a call with one of our experts.