Why it’s essential to screen your tenants… before they sign.

Without warning, a tenant you trusted skips out in the middle of the night – leaving you holding the bag for their rent payment and numerous damages.  Too late, you discover false or misleading information on their rental application and you find out the hard way, they have a history of trashing home after home. 

Your property is valuable, and you want to know – not just hope – your tenant will take care of it.  Screening before signing a rental agreement is an effective way to reduce your loss exposure risk.  Search the Web for tenant screening tips or check with your landlord association.  Some associations offer a service to handle these background checks for a fee.    

Take time to check these items before accepting a new tenant:

1. Credit Reports
2. Eviction History
3. Criminal History
4. Bankruptcy
5. Skip Search

Does your insurance carrier support your efforts to screen your tenants?  As part of their commitment to professional landlords, Foremost offers a discount when you use screening methods such as these.

Not sure what your policy provides?  Call me to discuss your coverage and find out more about the Foremost Landlord program.

*Coverage may not be available in all areas.