You've just listed your Atlanta rental property, and inquiries are pouring in. It feels like the perfect situation - until you start digging in. One potential tenant has an impressive income but a history of missed rent payments. Another has glowing references but a shaky employment record. You want to find someone reliable, but how do you separate the red flags from the green lights?
We can help.
Let's go through our top tenant screening tips in Atlanta.
1. Create a Clear Rental Application
A well-designed rental application is essential when you're trying to find a tenant. It helps you collect all the necessary information to evaluate potential tenants thoroughly. Start by including basic details such as the:
- Applicant's full name
- Contact information
- Social Security number for background and credit checks
Don't forget to list and collect any application fees. Employment and income verification should also be part of the application. Ask applicants to provide details about their:
- Current employer
- Position
- Monthly income
Request recent pay stubs or other proof of income to ensure they meet your rent-to-income ratio requirements.
2. Hire Property Managers in Atlanta
Professional property managers bring expertise and efficiency, ensuring that only qualified tenants are selected. They handle everything from advertising your rental and reviewing applications to conducting thorough background and credit checks, saving you time and effort.
Tenant placement services stay up-to-date on Georgia's landlord-tenant laws and Fair Housing regulations, ensuring your screening practices remain compliant. This reduces the risk of legal issues arising from unintentional violations. Their knowledge of Atlanta neighborhoods and rental trends allows them to attract high-quality tenants who meet your expectations.
3. Check Rental History
A strong rental history is often an indicator of a reliable tenant who pays rent on time and takes care of the property, which is important in the Atlanta property market. Contact the applicant's current and previous landlords. Key questions to ask include whether the tenant paid, followed the lease, and left Atlanta real estate in good condition.
Pay special attention to any reports of:
- Late payments
- Property damage
- Lease violations
As these can signal potential issues. If possible, verify the landlord's identity to ensure you are speaking with a legitimate reference rather than a friend posing as one. In Atlanta, previous landlords may have valuable information about the applicant's behavior in different rental situations.
4. Trust Your Instincts
While data and documentation play a crucial role in tenant screening, trusting your instincts is equally important. Pay close attention to how the applicant communicates, responds to questions, and engages with you during the application process. An overly defensive or evasive demeanor when asked about their rental history or employment could indicate potential issues.
Meeting potential tenants in person or conducting a virtual interview provides valuable insight that paperwork can't reveal. For example, if an applicant appears overly aggressive, dismissive, or unprofessional, it may signal challenges in future landlord-tenant interactions.
Use These Tenant Screening Tips in Atlanta Today
With these tenant screening tips, you'll have the best tenants for your Atlanta real estate.
Take the hassle out of tenant screening with PMI Atlanta OTP! As a trusted, locally owned, and independently operated property management company, we combine nearly 20 years of industry expertise with cutting-edge technology to protect your investment and ensure the perfect tenant match.
Contact us to get started.
