Tenant SCreening

[good2know]

Wondering what tools and process Landlords use for financial checks on tenant applicants.

Does anyone use TVS - Tenant Verification Service?

Others?

thanks g2k

[WellThatsLovely]

We use a real estate agent who gets a credit check.

[mc_ottawa]

We used TVS in the past. For the first tenants we ever had, I wish we had taken the report more into consideration, since their low score was an unfortunately clear reflection on the trouble we would have with that group of tenants.

[Halton Home Inspector]

When advertising for a tenant(s) you are able to be specific as to what kind of tenant(s) would in your opinion be suitable for the home / apartment.

So, while you can not stop a tenant from smoking or having a dog for example you can advertise for non-smokers without dogs.

Always ask for a recent credit report and don't bother talking to people who do not seem willing to provide that.

I own and rent a small home. I always advertise for a couple or small family. No dogs and non smokers with current credit report and references need only apply.

BTW, I have nothing against dogs but they can be hard on a rental property but, smokers in a rental is bad news as it is very difficult to remove the smell from the home and turn off future potential tenants.

[WellThatsLovely]

Originally Posted by Halton Home Inspector

When advertising for a tenant(s) you are able to be specific as to what kind of tenant(s) would in your opinion be suitable for the home / apartment.

So, while you can not stop a tenant from smoking or having a dog for example you can advertise for non-smokers without dogs.

Always ask for a recent credit report and don't bother talking to people who do not seem willing to provide that.

I own and rent a small home. I always advertise for a couple or small family. No dogs and non smokers with current credit report and references need only apply.

BTW, I have nothing against dogs but they can be hard on a rental property but, smokers in a rental is bad news as it is very difficult to remove the smell from the home and turn off future potential tenants.

You should give dog people a shot, I've found them to be more loyal and less willing to move because it's so difficult to find a rental that allows dogs... "Professionals" are often light packers and will leave after one year to the other side of a subdivision because they enjoy the colour of a house over there better.