First Tenant For A New Landlord...any Tips??
Hello all,
I have my first potential tenant looking at my first rental property tomorrow? Does anybody have any advice for me while showing the tenant the property and what I should be asking?
I have all the paperwork that I will need ready.
Any tips or advice would be helpful!
Thanks..
Chris G 
Strict but fair. That's the way to be.
Take a look at how the people are dressed. I don't mean if they're in designer clothes. I mean are they clean. If you get a chance, walk them out to their car and take a sideways glance inside. If the inside of the car is a dump, their apartment will probably be a dump as well.
Also, don't talk too much. If the place is in good shape, it'll show itself. Be ready to answer questions about utility costs, neighborhood noise, any planned repairs or updates, other tenants in the property, nearby stores and bus stops, pets, and safety.
Good luck.
Character is about 90% of the game. Ask them a lot of questions about what they do with their spare time. If they do things that help others, or their community they are probably a good bet. If they like to party or just do things to entertain themselves, they are going to be a nightmare. It may seem like a small thing, but if they won't look me in the eye, or don't smile much, I get highly suspicious. It's a strange thing in a way, but happy people don't generally like to cause others grief. Unhappy people often do.