The Professional Deadbeat

A Realtor friend was recently involved in the sale of a duplex. The owner of this rental property was also involved in tenant eviction proceedings against one of the tenants. The tenant had been warned various times for violations of the lease agreement. He had unauthorized occupants living at the property and constantly played loud music, the occupants and guests parked their cars on the lawn and were trashing the duplex. To top it off no one living at this property had paid rent. The owner won the eviction and sold the property.

Interestingly, a few months later my Realtor friend was requested to preview a rental property across town that the owner wanted to sell. In the conversation about the property the owner was questioned why he wanted to sell such a great rental property. He responded he was tired of dealing with the issues that arise with having tenants and rental property. This is a pretty standard reply Realtors receive when previewing a rental property. But in this case, the reason was going to become more apparent. After inspecting the property more closely it was discovered the renter from the first rental property was occupying one of this landlords apartments.

In a short time period, this deadbeat tenant had trashed this landlord's rental and was also delinquent in the payment of rent. This same deadbeat renter had made his way into both of these properties and had caused extensive damages in addition to costing the owner several months rent.

These destructive deadbeat tenants move from one rental property to the next moving from one unsuspecting landlord to the next each falling victim to their deadbeat behaviors over and over again. The only way a rental owner can protect themselves and their rental property is to do the homework required of every landlord no matter where they live, how large or small the community.

This cycle of abuse and financial damage can be prevented with a landlord's upfront due diligent tenant screening of each potential renter applying to their property. The cost of tenant screening is cost effective and minimal especially in comparison to the cost of lost rent and damages. Charging the rental applicant the fees charged to complete tenant screening will also help to discourage the deadbeat renters from attacking your rental property.

Follow these basic rules:

1. Require each adult tenant to fill out your rental application. Completely.
2. Require each adult tenant pay an application fee which totally covers the expense of tenant screening.
3. Require each adult tenant provide you with a clear photocopy of a current drivers license.
4. Never allow anyone to move into the property until each applicant has been approved to occupy the property.
5. Require each adult tenant (roommates) to qualify to rent your property individually. If one tenant moves, the remaining tenant has the ability to pay all of the rent and expenses.
6. Be aware of and understand your states Landlord Tenant Laws.
Set your standard requirements for renting any of your rental properties. Credit limits, employment income, legal issues, smoking, animals etc. Set your policy standards and require your tenants to uphold those standards with no exceptions.


For additional information on this and other renting articles please visit our web site at www.mrpmrentals.com