5 Suggestions To Help With Tenant Screening

As a property manager, the last thing you want to experience is a negative situation that could have been avoided by selecting a more qualified tenant. If business and employers selected their employees simply by looking at their resumes and job applications, you can easily imagine why and how that wouldn’t work well at all. The same can be said about property managers and tenant screening. You can’t simply choose the best looking application and go with that person. You have to screen them using other methods. There are many different ways that a landlord can screen prospective tenants. Some of them are very simple and take hardly any time at all, whereas others are a bit more involved and can be slightly more time-consuming. We know that you are busy and may not have time to use 5 different screening methods for every rental application that comes your way. But it is still important to screen each tenant you are considering using as many ways as possible. Here are five of the most common and effective screening methods as well as why they are effective.

Credit History

Checking their credit is very important because it will give you an idea of how responsible they are with their money, as well as how experienced they are with things like credit cards, loans, utility bills, etc. Now, someone’s credit score isn’t necessarily 100% accurate in revealing the true financial nature of a given individual, but you still need to check it. Unfortunate financial downturns happen to people all the time that have absolutely nothing to do with their level of financial responsibility. So take the credit score with a grain of salt, so to speak. But most of the time, a credit score is a pretty accurate barometer of someone’s financial history. You don’t want someone with two bankruptcies and 5 past-due credit cards living in your property.

Income Verification

You definitely need to make sure that the tenant you are considering has a job and makes a steady income that is sufficient to pay the rent you are asking. There are a few different ways that you can get a prospective tenants proof of income. One easy way is to simply have them provide a few months of pay stubs from their place of employment. Some property managers prefer to require a bank statement printout from the last few months. Both ways will likely give you the information that you are looking for.

National Criminal History

The need for checking their criminal history is obvious. You’ve got to filter out the felons and sex offenders from your pile of applications. Never overlook this step in the tenant selection process.

Eviction & Rental History

Many property managers have reported being quite surprised in discovering that a tenant who seemed to be a perfectly wonderful as a choice and passed all of the methods mentioned above with flying colors, in fact, had a history of being evicted. Evictions are expensive and take a lot of time. You do not want to deal with an eviction if you can avoid it, and this is a very good way to avoid it. Make sure to check their eviction and rental history.

Interview the Prospective Tenant

This is arguably one of the best ways to select a tenant. Doing a phone or in-person interview can give you a personal and intimate look at a prospective tenant that you can’t get with computer-generated results. If you have time to do this, it is highly recommended to do so.

5 Suggestions To Help With Tenant Screening

Tenant Screening

Article by Clear Content Marketing

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5 Suggestions to Maximize the Return on Investment of Your Property

We know that a lot of times it’s difficult to pinch your pennies when all you’re trying to do is get your rental property looking nice so you can rent it out. Here are a handful of instructions that we know will up the profit of the property that you own for yourself and for your tenant, which is mutually beneficial. The property management industry can sometimes be hard to navigate. Let us help with following ROI tips.

1. Remember that it’s not a home. You must treat it like a house.

To start out, you must know remember that your rental property is not your own house; the one you live in with your family. Therefore, it isn’t necessary to treat it as such. The people who rent from you are most definitely not going treat your rental property like it’s a house that they themselves own. It’s just not going to happen. So in turn, there’s no point in you as the owner treating it that way. As longs the house looks acceptable, clean, and entreating, you are good. Just stop there. If it doesn’t look bad, it looks good.

2. Provide the renters with a clear vision.

A room that is curated well is so necessary because then when the potential tenants are looking at your property, they will be able to envision in it all of the things that they own that they would be bringing with them when they move in. This is so important and can create an immediate attachment to your place on the part of the tenant. You can do this in a number of different ways, such as ensuring the level of lighting in the rooms (especially the main and largest front room) are looking good and welcoming, making sure that the carpets are cleaned really well, and make sure there’s no dust. You’ll be a step above others in property management industry by following this advice.

3. Before buying new things, try to fix them first

If you’re considering cleaning the carpets yourself, especially if you have multiple properties that you own, don’t do it. It’s worth it to have a pro do it for you, that way you don’t need to spend all those hours and dollars. Many people in property management do this. Getting in there as fast as you can and pillaging the place, making it as clean as possible as quickly as possible tends to be a common behavior of most rental property owners. This is not recommended because it usually results in a subpar carpet installation job and a less than adequate paint job. Develop a relationship with local companies who provide cleaning and repair services and save yourself a lot of effort and a lot less replacing. Fix and clean it first before buying new stuff. 

4. The bathrooms and kitchen must be prioritized

In property management, there has been research done that has resulted in the knowledge that really good looking bathrooms and a really good looking kitchen are often the first things to mentally and visually engage an interested renter. If the ones in your rental property are old, you should take steps to remedy that as soon as possible. Even little things in property management help. A more modern thing here and a new appliance there can have a drastic effect. Kitchens and bathrooms are so important. This is one of best things you can do for ROI.

5. Get new lights and tidy up a lot

New light fixtures seem like something trivial to many rental property owners, but they are most definitely not. Lighting is of the utmost importance when trying to get the most ROI out of your property. Bad lighting can diminish the homey feeling of a space very quickly. Also, be thorough in your cleaning. If you want or need to hire a professional cleaning service then do it. If you do it yourself, make sure to use hot water! This tip is important to remember for someone in property management.

5 Suggestions to Maximize the Return on Investment of Your Property

ROI

Article by Clear Content Marketing

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Why do I Want a Property Manager?

Many landlords will enjoy having the help of a property management company in Saint George on their side. There are many benefits to having a property manager. A good property manager will make sure that your rental property stays rented, and acts as a mediator for all maintenance and tenant issues. Your property manager will have resources to be able to advertise your property effectively to get it rented quickly by quality tenants. In addition, a property management knows the laws and zoning that relate to renting in Saint George or your area. It is their job to know how to follow the rules to that you don’t have to know everything yourself. Then you are able to just keep in touch with your property manager with minimal stress, and watch the revenue come in.


Before you make a decision about hiring a property manager, you will want to carefully review the pros and cons of managing your property yourself. The pros of managing your property yourself are things like keep closer control of your property and maintaining a closer relationship with your renters. You will immediately in the loop as the first point of contact for any questions or issues, but you will find out the managing your own property can be a lot of work.


The cons of managing the property yourself are basically made up of all that extra work. You will be solely responsible to fill your rental property whenever there is a vacancy. This is one of the most time consuming parts of renting a property out, and it can be hard if you are not a professional with a network of resources and lots of time to devote to it. You will need to place ads, respond to calls and emails, and interview potential renters on the phone. You will usually make appointments with a few more people than those who actually show up to meet you and see the property. You will need to be prepared to show the property 5-10 times in most cases, in order to find some potential tenants that you want to proceed with. Then you will need to check their credit and thoroughly check their application, and also be sure you have an airtight rental agreement for your new tenants to sign.
If you use a property manager in Saint George, the property manager will take care of all of those things for you. You will find that having a property manager can save you a lot of stress and time. If you let someone else manage your property for you, you will still be consulted about all expenses and issues that arise with your property. But you will likely enjoy the benefit of not having to take late night calls from your renters for maintenance or other things. If you decide a management company is the best option for you, be sure to consider a few different companies to make sure you have the right fit. You will want to maintain a friendly and professional relationship with your manager, so make sure it is someone you can trust and get along with long term. It is your property managers job to handle issues for you efficiently, and communicate effectively with you at all points of the rental process.

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Why Should I Choose Holiday Resort Realty as my Property Manager?

Holiday Resort Realty and Development is a family owned business that has been a local leader in real estate and property management for over 30 years. Jeff Morby started the company in his hometown of Saint George years ago, and he maintains and integral role in the management of the company and meeting its client's needs. Jeff has experience in all areas of real estate, including property management, buying and selling homes and lots, and developing master-planned communities. Jeff’s son Yale Morby and daughter McKenzie Morby have taken responsibility for the day to day operations of the business, continuing a family tradition of care and trust in all aspects of real estate sales, management, and development. He's made having a Holiday Resort Realty property manager a no-brainer for St. George residents.


Jeff has passed the title of Principle Broker on to his son Yale Morby. Yale has over 17 years of real estate experience. He takes pride in the business his father has built and has the same values to continue Holiday Resort Reality as a property management company you can trust. Yale was raised in Saint George and loves seeing the growth that the community has experienced. Yale has served as the Washington County Board of Realtors President, Vice President and has been a member of the Board of Directors. He has also served on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Committee and is now currently serving on the Professional Standards and Ethics Committee. In each of these positions, Yale has had the chance to learn more about real estate and the direct effect it has on St. George and its development.


McKenzie Morby is also born and raised in Saint George, and she is committed to providing the best possible service to clients whatever their property management needs are. She has been a part of the family business for over 11 years and has been licensed as a realtor since 2006.


Along with a team of other qualified realtors with over 200 years combined experience, the Morby’s and Holiday Resort Reality has what it takes to provide you with everything you need whether you are a seasoned property investor, or a first-time buyer or renter. They’ve got real estate in their blood, and they know what it takes to take good care of you.


Holiday Resort Reality has a lifetime love for the community of Saint George and Washington County that is reflected in the work they do. The company was founded on family values and principles of integrity and trust. Because the company was built on these morals as a family business from its start, it is a company you can trust to deal with your most valuable assets with honesty and great customer service. You will not regret getting a Holiday Resort Realty property manager.

Why Should I Choose Holiday Resort Realty as my Property Manager?

Holiday Resort Realty Property Manager

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Should I Allow Pets in My Rental Property?

There are many reasons why an owner might be reluctant to the idea of allowing pets in their rental property. But there are some benefits to allowing pets for an extra deposit and monthly fee. Allowing clean and well-trained pets is a great way to make extra rental income on your property, but it comes at a greater risk.


Allowing pets can cause a lot of damage to a property, even older pets, or cats that are litter box trained. The biggest risk pets can cause to a home is urination stains and lingering smell. If a home or property has pet damage, the unpleasant smell can be overwhelming and very hard to get rid of, especially from cats. However, if the pets live outside or are well behaved, there will be little to no damage to the home, and the risk may be well worth it.


So how do you as a landlord or property manager in Saint George determine when and if to rent to someone with a pet? It is a good idea to never rent to someone with a cat, since the smell from cats is so much stronger and more difficult to remove. Also, you can ask for “pet references” on your pet agreement application. When you call previous landlords to ask about the tenant, ask about the pet. Ask if there was any damaged flooring, drywall, or any urination damage. Also ask if there were any noise complaints from barking. Pets will sometimes chew on door jams, trim, or cabinets, so it is crucial to know if that is the case with your potential tenant’s pet. Also, if possible make a visit to the applicant’s current home. Check for any smell or damage to furniture, flooring, or walls.


It is wise to research a bit about the breed of dog that your tenant owns. Larger dogs are capable of making larger messes and potentially causing more damage. In addition, some breeds are classified as aggressive and are prohibited in certain cities or communities. If you knowingly allow a renter to live in your property with an aggressive dog breed, you may be liable if any accident should occur. It is best to allow smaller, quiet, well-trained dogs with a good reference history of behavior in rentals.
It might sound like a lot of hassle to allow dogs or pets in your rental property at all. However, as any Saint George property management company will tell you, allowing pets can be profitable as long as they are well behaved. People with pets need places to live, just like everyone else, and they often consider their pet a member of their family, just as important as a child to them. Pet-owners are often very willing to pay more to live somewhere that their pet is welcome and comfortable. It is common to charge a larger deposit in order to allow a pet. $250-500 may be reasonable. You can consult with your local property management company in Saint George about a fair charge if needed. Some part of this pet deposit may be nonrefundable to cover extra cleaning costs incurred. You may also charge an extra $50-100 a month in rent for the pet. This extra rent income should off set the risk of pet damage and make renting to a pet-owner worth your while.

Should I Allow Pets in My Rental Property?

Allowing Pets

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Do I Need to Allow Service Animals in My Rental Property?

When determining a pet policy for your rental property, it is important to consult a property management professional in your area of Saint George to make sure you follow any legal stipulations regarding service animals. It is important to remember that service animals fall under a variety of disability laws, and these laws pertain to different classifications of housing. There is not one law for all rentals or situations. Your property manager will have a better idea about all the specifics and stipulations of these disability laws and will know best how to get legal counsel for any questions that arise.


There are some general guidelines to keep in mind as a rental property owner or manager. You cannot charge a pet deposit or fee for a service animal. These animals are generally classified as guide dogs or animals trained to complete tasks for an owner with a disability. The owner of the animal will be liable for any damage to the property that is beyond normal wear and tear, such as chewing and stains. As a property manager, you may be able to charge a pet deposit for an emotional support animal. This depends on the prescription from the doctor as well as the type of animal, and local laws and ordinances. Emotional support animals assist those with a psychological or mental disability, providing a therapeutic effect. You are allowed to require documentation of the service animal, such as doctor’s orders or other certification.


You as a landlord or property manager are allowed to prohibit a service animal if it alters the services or standard of living provided for other tenants. For example, if a dog’s barking keeps neighbors up at night, you may refuse the dog, but the tenant may remain without the dog if he or she chooses to do so. You may also refuse the animal if it causes any harm or danger to others.


If a renter would like to be allowed to keep a service animal or emotional support animal, he or she would be wise to request reasonable accommodation before moving in so that agreement can be made on the terms of the service animal. It may be difficult for a renter to ask for specific accommodations. Mental illness often carries a stigma, and the renter does not have to disclose their exact condition. It is illegal to request to question the renter’s doctor, but in most cases, the landlord or property manager may request the prescription for the service animal.


You may find further information regarding the specific regulations that pertain to types of housing and specific situations by researching the following laws: The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Be sure to consult a property management company or lawyer before proceeding. What is found here cannot be taken as legal advice, just a general summary of guidelines regarding service animals in rental housing.

Do I Need to Allow Service Animals in My Rental Property?

Service Animals

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Introduction to St. George Property Management

As an owner of real estate in Southern Utah, you may find that it is best to choose a St. George property management company, or you may want to choose to manage your property yourself. Property management refers to the physical upkeep, legal control, and financial oversight of real estate in broad terms. This is similar to the management role of any business.


In Saint George, there are a variety of different types of properties to own and rent. There are townhomes, condominiums, apartments, single-family homes, and commercial rentals, among others. A property management company that knows the areas well can be of great assistance in managing any of these types of real estate. Some companies have experience also in building and developing of lots and property all over Washington County. Holiday Resort Realty has experience with buying, selling, and renting property in St. George, Santa Clara, Washington, Ivins, Hurricane, and other local areas. They can be trusted to manage your financial, legal, and maintenance concerns regarding your property whether you are a new or seasoned investor.


Partnering with a St. George property management company like Holiday Resort Realty will also help you to ensure that your rental property stays rented. Holiday is familiar with the markets here in Saint George, and they know how to advertise your rental to give it the most favorable exposure. Their staff of realtors is available to show your property and take care of all the paperwork to get you quality tenants every time.


In addition, a property management company will collect rent for you so you don’t have to worry about it. They take care of all accounting, late fees, deposits, HOA payments, and pet fees because they are the experts at it. They will also provide you with careful and accurate reporting so you are informed about your investment. The property management company will consult with you regarding any major expenses or maintenance.


St. George has plenty to offer in the way of outdoor enjoyment and recreational life. From hiking and mountain biking to boating and other nearby adventures, it is a great place to live for people of all ages. It is a growing community in many areas, with properties of all types in high demand. A local property management company can help you to get the best return on your investment while absorbing the majority of the work and stress involved for you. Whether you choose to manage your property or properties yourself, or team up with a management company, you are likely to have success in the real estate business in St. George. A management company can remove much of the risk for you so that your asset is protected and maintained in the best of experienced hands.


Be sure to review the pros and cons before committing to managing your property on your own or with a St. George property manager. Also, meet with several companies before selecting the right manager for you. Your real estate property may well be your most valuable asset, and you want to do your due diligence when making these decisions.

St. George Property Management

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