These
days, some homeowners are choosing to rent out all or part of their home to help
pay for their mortgage costs. But being a successful landlord is more than just
sitting back and collecting the rent. Here are some tips to help if you ever
choose to become a landlord.
Charge
a Fair Price: All
real estate is local, and the best and quickest way to success is to know your
marketplace and what you can expect to charge for a fair rent in your area. Some
things you can do to determine a fair price include studying local classified
ads, scouring the Internet, and finding out what neighbors are charging for
rent.
Write
the Right Ad:
Getting the right tenant is even more important than picking the right price to
charge. Attract the right tenants with ad phrases such as "good credit and
references," "no pets," "no smokers," etc.
Create
a Thorough Application Process: Be
sure to require proof of identity, past addresses and landlord contact
information, employment information, and references. Also, ask questions like
how many people will be living with the applicant and how long they plan to
rent.
Check
References EVERY Time:
Call their previous landlords and ask if the rent was paid on time. Find out how
the property was left when they vacated. Were the tenants loud and troublesome?
Did they complain a lot? Did they report small repairs in a timely manner? It's
easier to avoid a bad tenant now than to try and evict one
later.
A
Final Creative Idea:
Before signing the deal, make an unexpected visit to your prospective tenants'
current apartment or residence. You will get a good look at how they keep their
home as it is likely to be the way they keep yours.
And
Always Ask the Experts: Be
sure to check with your tax professional to make sure you file your taxes
correctly and to see if there are any rebates or other benefits you qualify
for.
Some
people choose to be landlords, while others have it thrust upon them due to
market conditions. Either way, taking the steps mentioned here will help make
the experience more successful for everyone involved.