You have no doubt heard horror stories from others about negative experiences with their former renters. Sometimes finding and attracting the best tenants comes down to timing and circumstance. Some rental property owners seem to just luck into the perfect candidates. But there is some technique behind getting the ideal tenants to sign your dotted lines. We wanted to highlight a few of the best practices you can use as a guide to ensure you get the perfect Jonesboro renters for your property.
Knowing & Following the Jonesboro Rental Law
Understanding the Fair Housing terms and the legal framework for engaging renters in Jonesboro is the primary starting point. Before you target and put a plan in place to attract tenants, it’s best first to understand the parameters in which you should operate. You’ll not likely connect with your best renters if you’re inadvertently violating law or guidelines in place about proper landlord-tenant engagements.
When, Where & How You Advertise
You won’t find great renters if no one knows that your property is available. But that doesn’t mean flashy billboards are the way to go either. Dedicating some effort to an advertising campaign, using social media, online rental property listing sites, and signage can attract attention to your vacancy. Be smart about using great images to showcase the best features of your Jonesboro rental property. It’s often encouraged that rental property owners, especially those with multiple properties, engage in some form of advertising ongoing, even if you don’t have an opening. When you don’t have renters, you’re more apt to feel pressured into signing the wrong renter. Advertising ongoing can help you build waiting lists, keeping your vacancies minimal between agreements.
Forms & Processes Matter
A handshake with a referral from your brother’s, wife’s, uncle might sound like a guaranteed rental success story. However, the best way to identify the ideal renters for your property is with the proper use of forms. This includes a thorough application, background check permissions, and lease agreements. Not using forms as part of a routine document process, can allow not-so-perfect renters to convince you that they’re wonderful.
Doing Your Due Diligence with Each Candidate
You may trust your gut with a move-in ready candidate. The application looks good. Your conversation went well. And this potential Jonesboro renter came across as a perfectly charming and responsible individual. The best part, she can move in this weekend. You may be tempted to sign and hand over the keys. However, some of the worst rental manager stories begin with, “but she was so nice and seemed responsible.” The only way to be certain if you have a perfect renter on your hands or not is to follow through with the proper vetting process. Conduct the background check. Contact the references. You may find yourself dodging a rental-nightmare bullet as a result.
Don’t Settle in Desperation
Don’t allow yourself to feel rushed into accepting the first or next interested party. Take the time you need to follow through on your process. Rushing to an agreement can mean you forget to mention your requirement for renters’ insurance. Move in before the check clears the bank, and you have an entirely different problem. Keep your standards high and stick to your fair and equal applicant process.
These best practices can help you hone your efforts to pinpoint with precision, your best Jonesboro renters. However, if any of these aspects seem especially challenging, you may need the help of a property management professional. Contact us today to learn how we help our Jonesboro rental property owners manage the laws, guidelines, and their processes. After all, you’re not just looking for any tenants. You want the best, who will enjoy and preserve your property in a reliable and responsible capacity. Let us help you find them!
