Vetting Tenants — How we protect the landlord’s interests.

In Arlington Ridge, our management staff prefers to work with good renters. Here are some of the traits we look for.

1. A great tenant pays the rent on time every time. This means paying on or before the first, rather than at 5 pm on the 5th.
2. An ideal renter has integrity. An ideal tenant does not sneak in a co-renter or pet.
3. A reliable renter is fussy about cleanliness. A great tenant does not bring pests like rodents and bugs.
4. A reliable tenant does not overwork the home.
5. A trustworthy renter is courteous and easy to work with. An ideal tenant knows the difference between a property manager and a hotel concierge.
6. A good renter doesn't annoy neighbors.
7. A desirable tenant complains at appropriate times. Renters that don't report maintenance issues cost real estate investors money and cause issues for property managers.
8. A trustworthy tenant doesn't complain when it's not appropriate. This means that a great tenant doesn't ask to upgrade functioning systems. A good renter doesn't expect more than the lease provides. A great tenant doesn't complain that an appliance doesn't work when the renter doesn't know how to operate the appliance.
9. A trustworthy renter does not smoke in the rental.
10. A great tenant is looking for a lease that is as long as the landlord wants to rent the rental.

So this is what we're looking for in a tenant, but how do we find renters who measure up to this ideal? Experience has taught us that unreasonable renters can appear as polite, nicely-dress, well educated people with great jobs. We have a knack for sniffing out tardy tenants.