Turning down Rental Applicants for less than stellar rental history is never a profitable or fun. As a Property Management Company in Buford GA, we spend a great amount of time and money generating calls and traffic to our available rental properties. So, when an applicant applies, we expect everything to go smoothly. However, that is not always the case. Below are 3 must do items to establishing a good rental history.
1. Keep accurate records of payments, maintenance request, and communications with owners or Property Managers. When making a payment, get a paid receipt or make a copy of the check or money order. Be sure to date when payments was made. Never pay cash unless a receipt can be written at that time. Make sure all maintenance request are made in writing by method agreed in the lease. When communicating with Management Company make notes of time called and who you spoke with.
2. Establish a professional line of communication with owner or Property Manager. As stated above, put it in writing and make notes. However, take it a step further by ensuring all payments are made on time or early. If there is a maintenance issue with the home, put it in writing and be reasonable about time needed to respond to service the issue. Know the difference between an emergency and a nuisance. A water leak, no water, and no air or heat is an emergency. A garage door not closing properly is not something that needs to be addressed within 24 hours. Being professional and maintaining a good payment history can go a long way. As an example, we had to turn down an applicant recently due to the comments received from the current Property Manager. When asked how their current relationship was with the resident, they responded horrible. The resident was required to put all communications in writing and wasn’t allowed back in their office.
3. Use a local Property Management Company. They keep maticulous rental records and can provide future landlords and mortgage companies excellent rental information as well as being fantastic references in the future. We get calls daily from mortgage companies and Property Managers requesting payment and rental history. However, we rarely get calls from private landlords.
Above are 3 must do items to establishing a good rental history. Be sure to pay on time, put everything in writing, and establish a professional relationship. Once you do that, you will have a excellent rental history and a fantastic experience in your next home.
For rental information, available homes, or our Property Management Services, take a few minutes to browse our site.
