Property Management Blog


Picking the Right Tenant & Avoiding the Ones You Don't Want

We all know the headaches that come with dealing with bad tenants. Late payments, property damage, and endless disputes can turn a promising investment into a nightmare. However, by carefully selecting the right tenant for your rental property, you can save yourself from these woes. In this blog post, we'll explore effective strategies for picking the right tenant and avoiding the pitfalls of bad tenants.

Don’t Settle for Less

Have you ever found yourself stuck with a tenant who brings nothing but trouble? It's time to break this cycle and be proactive in your tenant selection process. Remember, settling for just any tenant can lead to long-term consequences and financial loss. Instead, let's focus on finding the ideal tenant who will treat your property with care, pay rent on time, and maintain a positive relationship with you as the landlord.

Verify, Then Go Beyond the Numbers

The foundation of selecting the right tenant lies in thorough tenant screening. Income verification and credit checks are essential steps in assessing financial responsibility. However, let's not stop there. Engage with potential tenants on a personal level to gauge their compatibility with your property. Ask them about their lifestyle, their long-term plans, and their reasons for choosing your property. By understanding their motivations and goals, you can identify tenants who align with your property's unique characteristics and envision it as their ideal home.


At Rex Rentals and Realty, we take tenant screening seriously. Selecting the right tenant is an art that requires a careful balance of objective criteria and intuitive judgment. One of our board members is a statistician and during her 11 years of experience she developed a spreadsheet to evaluate the tenant you want in your property. By going beyond the numbers, investigating tenant goals, leveraging references, and trusting your instincts, you can increase the chances of finding a reliable and respectful tenant. Remember, the goal is not just to fill your property; it's to establish a mutually beneficial relationship that ensures a smooth and profitable rental experience.

The Power of Reference

Don't underestimate the value of references. Reach out to previous landlords to gain insights into a tenant's past rental history. Were they respectful of the property? Did they fulfill their obligations? A track record of responsible tenancy is a strong indicator of future behavior. Take the time to connect with references and make informed decisions based on their feedback.

Trust Your Gut

While data and references provide essential insights, don't ignore your instincts. If something feels off during the application process or your interactions with a potential tenant, pay attention to those warning signs. Trusting your gut can help you avoid potential trouble down the road.

Establishing a Mutually Beneficial Relationship

The goal of tenant selection is not merely to fill your property; it's to establish a mutually beneficial relationship that ensures a smooth and profitable rental experience. By going beyond the numbers, investigating tenant goals, leveraging references, and trusting your instincts, you can create an environment where responsible tenants thrive and your rental property flourishes.


With our comprehensive approach to tenant selection at Rex Rentals and Realty, we are dedicated to ensuring that your property management journey is stress-free and rewarding.

If you have any questions or want to share your insights on tenant selection, feel free to reach out. Thank you for reading! I’m Kym Ottaviani with Rex Rentals and Realty, and I take the pain out of managing your daily investment along with the stress, putting more profit in your pocket. Let's work together to achieve a seamless and successful rental experience!


Blog Home