Rolanda Wilson - YOUR NO-RISK GUIDE TO RENTING OUT YOUR PROPERTY

your property to the right people.

STEP 5: TO APPROVE OR TO DENY?

Once you’ve finished going through the above steps, the next piece to getting your home rented is making the decision of either approving or denying tenants. Once you’ve decided to approve an applicant, let them know that they’re your next tenant as soon as possible so you can both take the appropriate next steps to make this happen. Ask them for the security deposit right away in order for you to hold the property for them. This should be a rock-hard rule for all approved applicants. Don’t take your property off the rental market until you’ve got that security deposit in place. If they claim they don’t have the money (whether it’s true or not), let them know that you can’t hold the property for them until you have their financial commitment. A financial commitment demonstrates actual commitment that they’re serious, responsible, and ready to move in. Of course, denying applicants is part and parcel with the rental property management business. If you don’t like saying “no” to people, well, you’ll have to get used to it, because you can’t let every interested person rent your place. When you’ve decided to deny an applicant, let them know right away, as well. It’s in everyone’s best interest if you do so. Don’t forget to let them know why. You need a reason, or they can file a complaint. For example, if you’re denying them for credit issues, you must follow the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. There are rules and guidelines that you must follow to reject a tenant for this reason. Further, there might be additional laws from your state or local government about credit applications and credit

93

Powered by