In this issue:

• Do you practice Careful Tenant Screening?
  
• Free Essential Form Download Criminal Backround Release
• Landlord Tip
• Where's the Rent?! Excuses!
  

Please e-mail us if you have any questions or would like to add or share any material / information.
John Nuzzolese
John@theLPA.com

Careful Tenant Screening

by John Nuzzolese

From the time of first contact with the prospective tenant to the time you sign a lease with him or her, you are still in the tenant screening process. Keeping in mind The LPA article, How to Screen and Qualify Tenants in 5 Easy Steps, it is very important to decide beforehand that you WILL NOT accept anyone who does not meet ALL of your screening requirements.

Often, landlords overlook certain "red flags" that indicate the prospect is NOT qualified to rent from you. It could be a sign of the tenant's financial stability, personal habits, respect or attitude toward the landlord. The important thing I'm saying here is, do your homework.

What are your screening requirements? It's important not to forget some of the key ingredients when screening a tenant.

1. Rental Application
   A fully completed and signed LPA Rental Application.
2. Identification.
   Be sure you get a copy of the applicant's drivers license or other valid picture ID. Is it possible that a deadbeat would use someone else's identity and credit to get accepted as your tenant? You bet. It happened to me!
3. A Non-Refundable Deposit.
   A serious applicant will have no problem leaving a substantial non-refundable earnest money deposit with you to secure the rental...

   click for the full article...

   
   
   
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   Criminal Background & Release Form

   The Criminal Background Authorization & Release Form will remove any doubt of whether the tenant is being up front with you. Not only will you have the tenant's full authorization to do a criminal report with law enforcement agencies, you also have the written authorization required to obtain a credit report.

   The fact that the tenant has nothing to hide and is willing to release credit and criminal (if any) history to you shows good faith and cooperation in the screening process.

   This form should be used in addition to the LPA Rental Application.

   FREE DOWNLOAD The Criminal Background Authorization & Release Form

   
   
   

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   Landlord Tip

   Landlord Screening Tip:
   When screening an applicant, ask for a copy of a picture ID or drivers license. Make sure the person in front of you is the same person on the application and credit report. - The LPA
   
   
   
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   "Where's the Rent?!"
   Top Tenant Excuses

   "The Cable TV is broken. I'm not renting any apartment that doesn't have cable!." The cable TV is not "broken" , it has been turned off for non-payment. Since it is in your (the tenant's) name, you should pay the bill and have it restored. - Submitted by Louie C., NY

   "I heard you died or were really really sick." Well the rent is still due and you owe a late fee. Your rent would still be due if I were sick or dead. - Submitted by Eddie W., Burnt Store, FL

   "I don't have it. I'm a landlord too and I had to use this month's rent to evict my non-paying tenant." Well it sure is a domino effect. The only difference is that I'll have my mortgage paid even after I evict you. - Ronald C., KY

   "I had to have the sewer cleaned. They got my son's ball, some toys and all kinds of crap out of there. The plumber said that I shouldn't pay the rent because the landlord should pay the plumber." I know of one plumber who isn't getting paid! Not by me anyway. LOL! - Gregory K., NY

   "Can I skip this month and sign a 2 year lease? I am buying a truck from a guy that got a DWI and he needs the money now..." Answer is: hmmm...how would you like it if your boss said he would pay you for this month, but it would be next year?!!! I am not your parent! - Eleanor from TX
   
   

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