One would never think this is a game when they sign their first tenant. For bad tenants rental is simply a game and bad tenants come in all colors, shapes, sizes and economic levels. They drive up in bugs and in Bentlys… from my experience you can’t tell a poser from a prospect at first glance. Keep your ears tuned for clarity as a good long conversion may reveal more about your prospect helping you to decide what the future will hold between the two parties.

Control

This is where the game begins. Control. He who has control of the property is in the stronger position and has the control. Prior to signing a contract and handing over the keys the landlord has control and this is the point where you get the tenant to agree to your demands. Once a landlord hands over the keys he [she] gives up most control of the property. In the Court’s eyes the property no longer belongs to the landlord, it now belongs to the tenant. This is when you will find out just who your tenant really is; once you have given him [her] control of the property. Once you have given them control of the property you are no longer driving the car, you are now in the back seat and they are in control.

Introduction

In this field manual we are targeting our advice to assist you with the 20% of the people you will be dealing with; the bad tenants. While the recommendations here focus on the bad tenants, if you follow the general guidelines the good tenants will take care of themselves and you will be well protected.

The introduction is most important. Each of you will be establishing who is boss, and who is initially in control.

Goals of the introduction

• Lots of chit chat about the person and their history
• Establishing who your renters will be

Assumptions

 

Posers

 

Application

 

Rental history

 

Credit history

 

Judgment call