Landlord Pelicans: how do you do background checks...

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by McLovin

I've had my best luck by paying generous referral fees to existing long term tenants to get their friends, co-workers, etc. to fill vacancies. That's always been a slam dunk.

That's a good tip.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by McLovin

I've had my best luck by paying generous referral fees to existing long term tenants to get their friends, co-workers, etc. to fill vacancies. That's always been a slam dunk.

+1.

Nice people tend to have nice friends.

I will never offer move-in incentives like 1/2 off first month's rent, as that attracts people with shakey finances. Before I give somebody keys to my building, they will have the screening fee, deposit, and all rent due paid in full.

[Esel Mann]

The background check is a good filter. Just be sure to have in the background check agreement that the fee is non-refundable. As others have mentioned, it will do some level of filtering for you.

Another very good filter which has worked well for us is requiring first month, last month, and deposit up front. None of this I'll pay you over time. If they can't do this you don't want them!

Other good filters: pet deposit for each pet, limiting # people who actually live/reside in the place (per city, county, or HOA codes), look at the inside of their car, proof of renters insurance binding.