Comments on: Can Someone Give Me Good Advise About Renting Out Our Excellent Condition House?

By: G N A

G N A — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:20:06 +0000

You’ve received excellent advice here and I’d like to add this because it can also save you money in the long run – instead of calling previous landlords, use the services professional property managers use. It’s worth the small fee you’ll pay.
Also, increase the amount you are charging as a both deposit and rental rates. Remember, running a credit check gives you the history but does nothing to tell you what’s going on with someone who is in that 30-60 day window of finalizing a bankruptcy.

By: Angela M

Angela M — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:45:25 +0000

You may not say how many children, if any to allow. Carpets are almost always ruined after a tenant moves in/out. You should have a clear policy regarding pets. Charge more for dogs and cats because they will do damage. Pet owners would understand and expect this as a non-refundable pet fee. Another thing I would do is to have a long term lease to lessen your turnover renting. A one year is good for all parties, as you are giving them a guarantee of no rent increases for each year.
I would explore the options of going after the bad tenants for damages, if you can find them, Or chalk it up to experience.
I highly advice reading your rights and responsibilities as a landlord as well as tenants rights to avoid any fair housing issues.
Good luck!

By: Sweetdaddy Rex

Sweetdaddy Rex — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 05:26:57 +0000

Depends on the state you live in (inspections). In TX., there is a standard Rental/Lease agreement, that allows you to inspect the house on a regular basis ( with prior notification ). I’ve owned 2 rent houses, and it’s just not worth it ! Luckily, I managed to sell the houses for what I had in them ( including damages ), so the rent paid was profit .Never again !

By: Landlord

Landlord — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 03:41:01 +0000

You can not discriminate against kids, but dogs are OK.
In addtion to credit checks check with the county clerk, make sure they have not been sued by previous landlords.
Also verify that the last 2 landlords really were their landlords and call them all. Ask about rent payments, complaints and if they received their deposit back.

By: burb2872

burb2872 — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:10:03 +0000

Make your rental a smoker/pet free home first off. Then when you interview prospective tenants, ask how big the family is before accepting. That is not discrimination; that is just self-protection. And do NOT go by a credit check alone. Go by their past rental references, to see if they are economically responsible. And above all, ask for one months rent as a damage deposit, to better insure against a repeat of your past damage/bills nightmare…

By: Judy

Judy — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:12:46 +0000

Inspections can be good, but a lot of damage can be done in a month’s time. Depending on where you are, restricting to 2 kids might not be legal – and wouldn’t really solve the problem anyway.
Do a credit check, but also require references from previous landlords. Call and talk to them. On your application, have them list the addresses of the apartments and when they lived at the various places, and ask the same questions of the references. If they give you a friend as a phony reference, they might forget to cover the details with them.
Good luck. This is a problem many landlords face, unfortunately.