You want to be a landlord, but you don’t want to deal with bad tenants. Sure, that makes sense. Here’s some tips, from

Wolkia, on how to attract GOOD tenants.

Reprinted from http://www.nrvliving.com/2010/05/03/attract-good-tenants/

Ten Ways To Attract Good Tenants

By Jeremy Hart, NRVLiving.com and Coldwell Banker Townside, Realtors Blacksburg, VA

As a landlord, “the turn” can be one of the most stressful

times of the lease.  In a short period of time one set of

tenants moves out, the property is cleaned and prepared,

and a new set of tenants moves in.  As a rental property

owner going through a “turn” myself, a post by Wolkia

was timely.  In it she identifies ten ways to attract good

tenants.

1. Dress professionally.  First impressions matter and

will set the tone for your relationship with the

tenant.

2. Allow pets.  Many property management

companies will no longer allow pets.  Being pet-

friendly can set you apart and attract more

potential tenants to you.

3. Be organized and have procedures in place.  If you

are disorganized, it will make the tenants think

you don’t care.  Have checklists and paperwork in

order.

4. Show that you care for the property and the

tenants will care too.  Even if it’s outdated in

areas, a clean property can overcome many

objections.  Wash the windows, manicure the yard

… show some pride of ownership.

5. Offer a discount for a multi-year lease and/or for

payroll/bank draft setup.

6. Let them know that you will be accessing the

property every other month for a

maintenance checkup.  Ask the tenants to

put any non-emergency maintenance items

on a list on the refrigerator so you can

address them on your visit.

7. Send them birthday cards.  Yes, it is a

business transaction; however, showing you

care can go a long way.

8. Include a washer and dryer.

9. If, due to economic conditions, you need to

offer a free month rent … NEVER offer the

first month free.  You are inviting deadbeats

to live in your property for free for 30 days.  Instead, offer the free month after 6 months

or over the holidays.

10. Be present.  Be available.  Lack of

communication can quickly break down the

tenant/landlord relationship.  Respond to

their questions and concerns promptly.

Being a landlord doesn’t have to be difficult.  The

horror stories are out there, certainly, but with

careful preparation – of the property, of your

processes, and of your tenant selection – it can be a

very rewarding opportunity.  Thanks, Tina, for the

post.

Jeremy Hart a licensed real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Townside Realtors in Blacksburg, Virginia, and founding member of NRVLiving Real

Estate.  If interested, his license number is #0225077937, and he’s been a licensee in good standing of the New River Valley Association, the Virginia

Association, and the National Association of Realtors since January 2004.  You can contact him at jeremy at nrvliving dot com. 

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