Wealth of Information
Friday, February 13th, 2009You guys are a wealth of information. Thanks for helping us little guys out. Yes, I love my tenant too.
Cherie
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Archive for the 'How to Screen an Applicant' Category
Craig’s List and Renting Authority
Friday, February 13th, 2009I use Craig’s List as a way to find my tenants. I have found several good matches this way. I always post in my adds that I require an in person appointment and that I will require a credit & background checks.
This way it helps to weed out the scammers and losers. Thanks to Renting Authority, I have the ability to screen them, even though I am just one person with one property renting out separate rooms.
Beth
Join the forum discussion on this post - (2) Posts I plan to use your system for my rentals in the future
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009Thanks, for what it is worth I plan to use your system for my rentals in the future; this is the place where I believe I have been lacking. I like the online option.
I have four rentals currently and have one that is about to be ready to rent again so I plan to run your checks on any potential renter.
Thanks,
Bob
Stanwood, WA
Join the forum discussion on this post - (2) Posts Is Employment Verification Really That Important?
Friday, January 9th, 2009Yes, employment verification is an extremely important step in the tenant screening process. A renter needs a good job so he or she can pay the rent. Let me give you a list of things to inquire about.
One of the most important things is to pay attention to is: who and how the business phone is answered. Why, because some people will give you a friend to call and pretend they are the employer. The phone should be answered with a business name.
Ask for the applicant’s supervisor or boss. This information should have been provided by the applicant on the application.
Asking the right questions is key to getting the right info.
We ask the following questions:
- How long has the applicant been employed there?
- Is he or she currently employed there?
- Is the job full time, part time or temporary?
- How many hours a week does he or she work?
- Verify the monthly income. (Employers may require copy of singed authorization for this)
- Does their job future look good?
Order an employment report now.
http://www.rentingauthority.com/employment_rental_reports/
Renting Authority Provides third party employment history reports
Log into the Property Owner’s Toolbox at http://www.toolbox.rentingauthority.com
1. Select Past Rental and Employment Reports.
2. Click the box for Employment Report,
3. Fill in the needed information and we take care of the rest.
You receive your Employment Report in 24-48 business hours
The Cost is only:
$6 for Employment Verification
$6 for Rental History Verification
Only $4 each for Gold Members
Upgrade your membership now
https://www.rentingauthority.com/cc/pay.php
Click here for sample employment history report
http://www.rentingauthority.com/sites/employsurvey.htm
Click here to login and order rental history reports now
http://www.toolbox.rentingauthority.com
Troy Boldt
888-674-9181
tboldt@rentingauthority.com
http://www.rentingauthority.com
Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts Can a 10 minute video really avoid a lawsuits?
Friday, January 9th, 2009Recently, I had a great conversation with one of Renting Authority’s members. He mentioned that he always video tapes his properties before a tenant moves in.
This is really a great idea that I need to share with you. Here are a few tips.
Date the video and show the new tenant in the video. Hold up a newspaper if needed.
Outside: video the outside and include the yard, fence, sidewalk, stairs, rain gutter, roof (if possible), doors and locks, windows and exterior of structure
Inside
Walls: make mention of holes and paint condition
Carpet: wear, quality and condition
Kitchen: show functioning appliances - plumbing, kitchen condition
Bathroom: show functioning plumbing, cleanliness, lack of mold (I hope)
Let the tenant know you have video documentation of the rental’s present state. Video taping will help safe guard you from lawsuits. It is great documentation. This also eliminates disputes about the condition of your property once the tenant moves out.
Spending an extra 30 minutes video taping before a tenant moves in could save you a lot of money and headaches down the road
To your success,
Troy Boldt
tboldt@rentingauthority.com
www.RentingAuthority.com
Join the forum discussion on this post - (3) Posts I did find tenants
Thursday, January 8th, 2009I did find tenants, and am using your rental application, basically for peace of mind, and as you suggested, you only have one chance to get that information.
While I didn’t initially want to rent, I am forced to in order to stay afloat, and not go into greater debt. I have decided to use just a monthly rental agreement, and I have been and will be relying on my past renting experience and what I’ve read from your e-newsletters so far. Thank you very much. Your e-newsletters have proved helpful as I inherited renters when I bought this place this last year, and had to deal with legal issues, so I’ve been “thrown into the pot” with both feet.
Thank you again for your newsletters Mr. Boldt.
Renah
Join the forum discussion on this post - (9) Posts Should I charge an application fee?
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009Several landlords have asked, “Should I charge an application fee?” My answer astonishes some. Yes.
Three reasons why:
1. Application fees start the filtering process
If an applicant is unwilling to pay an application fee, you may have a difficult time collecting rent. You are in charge, it is your asset, and you make the rules.
2. Covers your costs
Screening prospective tenants cost you time and money. Recover as much money as possible. If you have to screen 4 tenants to find the right one, it will cost about $100. Don’t go in the hole $100. Collect the application fee upfront.
3. Reduces discrimination lawsuits
Charging differing prices and not charging at all on some applicants, opens you up for a lawsuit. Charge a consistent fee. Even if you feel sorry for someone. Please don’t misunderstand me. I am not being cold hearted. Attorneys look for inconsistencies like this to create a discrimination lawsuit.
If you have any questions or comments, please email me.
Sincerely,
Troy Boldt
Renting Authority
888-674-9181
tboldt@RentingAuthority.com
http://www.RentingAuthority.com
Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts The 12 Days of Tenant Screening
Wednesday, December 17th, 2008I am giving someone a 1 year membership upgrade for free. That’s a $119.40 value.
In the holiday spirit, I wrote my own 12 days of Christmas. I call it The 12 Days of Tenant Screening. I wanted to sing and record it for you, but after one recording, I scraped the idea. Your ears will thank you for this. Here are the words.
Enjoy
On the first day of tenant screening
My reports returned the following to me:
1 And a perfect credit score
2 Forgeries
3 Late pays
4 Poor credit scores
5 Burglaries
6 Liars lying
7 Falsified Docs.
8 Tenants paying
9 Armed robberies
10 Dealers dealing
11 30 day lates
12 Rent checks bouncing
Contest Rules
Write and or sing your own version and email it to me. The winner receives 1 year free membership upgrade. I will also post the winning lyrics on our site.
Here is my favorite 12 days of Christmas from Jeff Foxworthy. Don’t watch it if you don’t want to laugh.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suqWNk1vi0o
Have a great Holiday,
Troy Boldt
888-674-9181
http://www.rentingauthority.com
Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts Easy Guide to Read a Credit Report
Monday, December 8th, 2008Credit Score
The credit score indicates what type of a credit risk a person poses to a potential creditor. Here is a simple break down:
550 and below is poor
600 to 650 is fair
651 to 700 is good
701 to 750 is great
750 plus is excellent
Report Summary
This report shows the number of 30, 60, and 90 day late payments a person has. This section also shows credit limits and the amount of debt a person has.
Collections
This section shows which accounts have gone to collections. You can view the debt amount and if the debt is paid off.
Public Records and Judgments
This area shows bankruptcies, liens, judgments, and evictions.
Creditors and Financial Obligations
This gives a detailed account of extended credit.
Other Reports
We have created an Applicant Rating Report. This helps you know how one applicant compares to other applicants across the country. Use the drop down menu in the credit report to view the Applicant Rating Report.
If you need any assistance, please call, email or chat online.
Thanks,
Troy Boldt
888-647-9181
Online support at:
https://messenger.providesupport.com/messenger/chazing.html
Join the forum discussion on this post - (16668) Posts Should I charge an application fee?
Tuesday, November 25th, 2008
Several landlords have asked, “Should I charge an application fee?” My answer astonishes some. It is simply YES.
Three reasons why:
1. Application fees start the filtering process
If an applicant is unwilling to pay an application fee, you may have a difficult time collecting rent. You are in charge, it is your asset, and you make the rules.
2. Covers your costs
Screening prospective tenants cost you time and money. Recover as much money as possible. If you have to screen 4 tenants to find the right one, it will cost about $100. Don’t go in the hole $100. Collect the application fee upfront.
3. Being consistent on application fees reduces discrimination lawsuits
Charging differing prices and not charging at all on some applicants, opens you up for a lawsuit. Charge a consistent fee. Even if you feel sorry for someone. Please don’t misunderstand me. I am not being cold hearted. Attorneys look for inconsistencies like this to create a discrimination lawsuit.
If you have any questions or comments, please email me.
Sincerely,
Troy Boldt
Renting Authority
888-674-9181