It only takes one bad mistake for landlords to shell out tens or thousands of dollars in fines and legal fees. It’s not acceptable for a judge when a tenant or landlord says they’re not aware of such terms. Just because they didn’t read or pay much attention to what’s written on the lease agreement, it’s acceptable. That’s why it’s imperative for all landlords in Texas to be familiar with the tenant screening laws and regulations. When some issues come up, they know how to deal with it according to their legal rights.
Tenant screening is an important part of the rental process for your Houston property. It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re looking to fill the vacancy in your property quickly. This is why we have compiled five common mistakes that landlords make when screening tenants and how to avoid these lapses.
Tenant Screening Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
1. Skipping the background check
Every rental property owner has the right to run a background check on their applicants. However, this should be done only when the applicant has agreed. Through signing the rental application form, they can give you their consent to do so. Credit history and good income are not enough so background checks are as important.
2. Not Checking the Credit Report
Checking a potential client’s credit report will allow you to see how they have been paying their bills and debts. Poor credit score means late payments or unpaid debts.
3. Lack of references from previous landlord or employers
After passing background and credit checks, it is important that your potential tenant also have references. This may include their previous and current employer and landlord. Three references is enough to at least verify the information given to you by the applicant.
4. No Information on Tenant’s Income Proof
It is essential that any landlord knows the potential tenant’s source of income. Doing so will establish the financial capability of your potential tenant. You can request for a bank statement and other information that may give you an idea on their current work. You may also ask for a co-signer to guarantee the rent and liabilities when the tenant’s finances are tight.
5. Not Establishing Tenant Screening Criteria
The most crucial step you can do before you begin screening tenants is standardization of the screening process. This means your tenant screening process is the same and consistent for all applicants. You may organize your process in a form of a checklist so you know which applicant meets your standards.
Houston landlords and rental property owners should always write up their screening criteria and requirements. In that way it can be easily handed to all their potential applicants. Having a clear, concise and standard tenant screening process is the first step to protecting yourself from any legal troubles. Apogee Properties can help you have a better tenant screening process. Having a property management can help you avoid these common mistakes. Not only that, you’ll find the right tenant for your Houston rental property.
Working with Apogee Properties
Apogee Properties is Houston’s leading real estate management company. We work and live in Houston and our property managers are local. We have been in business for more than a decade and we’ve provided comprehensive property management services in the Houston region ranging from a studio condo to a multi-family million dollar estate.
Whether you are a resident leasing one of our hundreds of properties, we look forward to hearing from you and sharing what we can offer to your Houston property. Contact us today to learn more!
