Basics of Property Management: Screening Potential Tenants
How To Find A House To Rent When There Are Few Available
Jesse Obrien
The rental property business has highs and lows. When it hits a low period, landlords might struggle to find tenants to rent their available units. When it hits a high period, tenants might face challenges finding an available unit for rent. If you need a house rental during a time when there are few available, how can you find one? Here are some options to consider using while finding a house to rent when it seems like there are not many available.
Read Classified Ads
The first option is one that people often use when they need rental properties, which is to read through classified ad sites. You might want to search for "properties for rent" in your area. You can also find them on social media sites if you use any. Even in tight markets, you can find houses for rent. It just might take more time and work to find them. When you find listings, you should call the number on the listings right away. You might also want to remember that you might not find the exact type of property you want to rent during times like this, so you might have to give up some of your desires.
Call a Real Estate Agent
Secondly, you can contact a local real estate agent to find properties for rent. Local real estate agents often have information about rental properties. They might also know people you can contact to find available units for rent. You can contact multiple real estate businesses to speak with several agents if you want to have access to more properties for rent.
Contact Landlords or Property Managers
The other option you have is to contact landlords or property managers directly. A real estate agent might be able to give you a list of local landlords. If so, you can contact them directly to ask if they have any open units. If not, you can ask them to call you when they do. If you look up local property managers, you can also contact them. Property management firms often manage many rental property businesses, and they might have some openings right now or in the near future.
Finding properties for rent during a time like this might prove to be more challenging, but it is not impossible to find one for rent. With some hard work and perseverance, you will find a house to rent.
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For the last several years, I've used a property management firm to help with my rental properties. One of the tasks that they handle for me is screening applicants who would like to move into one of my vacant units. Their expertise has helped me lower my tenant turnover and find people who want to stay with me for years. Part of the process is a tenant screening credit check. Before any further contact takes place, my manager orders credit reports from at least two agencies. That is enough to tell us if an applicant is a good financial risk. Assuming the references work out, I meet the candidate and make the final decision. If you own rental properties, let me tell you more about the benefits of having a property manager. I'm betting you'll find this type of arrangement will work for you too.