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

In Harrisonburg, Nesbitt Realty prefers to deal with reasonable renters. Here are some of the traits we look for.

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

So this is what we're looking for in a renter, but how do we find renters who live up to this standard? Experience has taught us that difficult renters can appear as polite, nicely-dress, well educated people with great jobs. We have a nose for sniffing out troublesome tenants.