Do You Own an Income Property? Here Are Four Tips for Finding Great Tenants

Trusting another individual with your property can be nerve-wracking because it’s difficult to gauge how well they’ll care for their home from a viewing and rental application alone. However, there are several steps you can take to help ensure that you select responsible tenants that will take good care for your property while they live there.

1. Make Your Home Desirable

When creating your rental listing, show your property at its absolute best and list its attractive features. The listing should be well written with proper capitalization and full sentences, even if it’s only going on Craigslist. Include plenty of photos that are staged nicely to show the full potential of the home both inside and out.

If you want the best applicants, strive to be the best property! You need to attract tenants who are looking for a home rather than a crash pad.

2. Have A Thorough Application Process

Don’t be afraid to ask for in-depth information from your applicants. The more you know about them the more you can assess what kind of a tenant they’ll be. An application should ask for:

– full name
– the applicant’s job & their supervisor
– their income
– current address
– government identification (i.e. a photocopy of their driver’s license)
– next of kin or an emergency contact
– previous landlord references
– any additional info you think is necessary

3. Check References

One of the most important things you can do when choosing a tenant is check their references. At least one reference should be a past landlord, and it’s great to contact a current employer as well. Favor applicants who can prove they’ve been a good renter in the past and who seem to have reliable employment.

When calling references have a prepared list of questions. For past landlords you’ll want to ask about their cleanliness, if there was any damage to the property, noise complaints, or missed rent. When speaking to an employer, make sure to ask how long they’ve been working there, whether they’re a reliable worker, whether they’re respectful, and if they can see them continuing to work there for the long-term.

4. Meet Them!

Always meet potential tenants in person. See if they have a pleasant demeanor, if they’re easy to talk to and are polite to you, and whether they seem to take care of themselves. Trust your gut, if you have a bad feeling about someone then it may be best to keep looking.

Need more advice on income properties? Give me a call today – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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4838 S Emery Circle Mesa, AZ 85212

$604,900

5 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,747 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761046

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located in East Mesa's Elliot Tech Corridor, 5 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths. Master and Secondary Baths beautifully remodeled, Master with Separate Tub, Shower and Dual Sinks. 2 New 18 Seer AC's with Heat Pumps and R49 Attic Insulation. Too many improvements to list. Kitchen Granite Counter tops with new Stainless Steel Dual Oven and Dishwasher. 6'' Floor Molding through out First Floor. Fireplace in Living Room. Gorgeous Backyard, Recently Resurfaced Self Cleaning Pepple Tec Pool with Waterfall. Extended Covered Paver Patio and Putting Green. RV Gate and Storage Shed as well. Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis.

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295 W Oriole Way Chandler, AZ 85286

$604,500

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,792 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772157

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Chandler, where every detail has been thoughtfully crafted for both style and comfort. The heart of the home is the open-concept kitchen, boasting sleek quartz countertops and crisp white cabinetry that seamlessly flows into a charming fireplace accent wall—an ideal space for entertaining guests or cozy family nights. The spacious layout offers an inviting atmosphere, perfect for gatherings or relaxed evenings at home. The luxurious primary suite offers a serene retreat, featuring a beautifully tiled shower, a soaking bathtub, and a double vanity with modern finishes, creating a spa-like experience in your own home. Step outside to your private outdoor oasis, complete with a pebble tech pool and a cozy fire pit, perfect for enjoying - cool Arizona evenings under the stars. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or simply relaxing, this backyard is designed for both fun and relaxation. For the environmentally conscious, the home is equipped with an EV car charger, offering convenience and efficiency. Plus, the entire front of the house is adorned with custom Oelo lighting, making holiday decorating easy and giving your home a festive glow for any occasion. This home truly has it all, blending modern upgrades with timeless charm in one of Chandler's most desirable locations. Don't miss your chance to make this exceptional property yours!

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5862 E Julep Street Mesa, AZ 85205

$604,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,123 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774298

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Well cared for 4 bedroom in desired Alta Mesa Community: walking distance to schools. Min to 202/60; Mesa Community College, shopping; multiple golf courses. Opt. office in addition to bedrooms. Open floorplan, tile; wood floors in formal dining and living area, vaulted ceilings; shutters throughout. Spacious living rm; updated kitchen with quartz countertops, large island with seating, farmhouse sink, stainless appliances, walk in pantry; breakfast nook. Large primary bedroom: with sitting area, entrance to covered patio; pool. Remodeled primary bathroom: granite, custom cabinets, freestanding tub, frameless shower; barn door to walk in closet. Inviting private backyard features: swimming pool with waterfall; artificial grass. New Roof 2017; Solar Panels 2022, owned, warranty transfers. Dishwasher; microwave; pool robot replaced 2024

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13382 W Blackstone Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$604,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,752 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754736

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEAUTIFULLY upgraded VIBRANT shows Pride of Ownership is move-in ready for you! This lovely home w/NEUTRAL palette thru-out features w/WIDE PLANK tile flooring, split tilt PLANTATION shutters, WALL OF GLASS in Great Rm opens to the PROFESSIONALLY designed R/yard with built-in BBQ, gas FIREPIT, ext. PAVER patio & ARTIFICIAL turf! Gorgeous kitchen features HIGH-END cabinetry, GOURMET GE appliances: w/5 burner COOKTOP, built-in OVEN & SS/MONOGRAM hood. GRANITE c-tops & TILE b-splash complete the space. Primary suite/bath features SOLID core barn door w/full LENGTH mirror, dbl. vanities, UPGRADED shower w/DESIGNER tile, HEAVY glass door & SPACIOUS walk-in closet! Guest bath w/CHEVRON tile pattern, heavy GLASS door & Granite c-top. Spacious Den w/built-in cabinets for add'l storage needs. Laundry room includes upper cabinets & laundry tub. Garage features a 4 foot extension and add'l storage area large enough for golf cart, hobby space or sports equipment. Versatrack hanging wall storage. Additional home upgrades: Professionally landscaped front/year yard including paver walkway, wrought iron fencing in rear yard w/snake fencing, raised garden bed, French drains, PVC irrigation w/poly at hubs to plants, Meyer Lemon & Key Lime fruit tree. 4 large pots on drippers w/wall mounted trellis at front entryway. Owned water softener, great room pre-wired for surround sound including rear patio. Under-cabinet lighting kitchen cabinets, recycle center, custom pullouts, soft close drawers, GE French door refrigerator, LG front loader washer/dryer convey with home. TRILOGY AT VISTANCIA is a resort style 55+ active adult community in NW Peoria. Trilogy has 2 beautiful clubhouses, 2 heated outdoor pools, 1 heated indoor lap pool, 2 fitness centers, fitness classes, tennis courts, pickleball courts and bocce ball courts. Beautifully designed Gary Panks 18 hole Championship Golf Course including V's Taproom. Trilogy offers numerous fitness classes, hosted lifestyle events/trip and numerous clubs ie: STEM Club, History Club, Women's Club, Veteran's Club, Wine Club, Pickleball & Car Club just to name a few! ENJOY THE GOOD LIFE at TRILOGY VISTANCIA!

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3213 W San Cristobal Road Queen Creek, AZ 85144

$603,401

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,357 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6672892

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully Landscaped Master Planned Community by Fulton Homes. Located within minutes of major shopping, restaurants, and freeways. Promenade is at the base of the San Tan Mountains. There are Six Parks throughout the community, one of which is an Aquatic Center with a 7,400 square foot pool. Full basketball and sand volley ball courts. Bocce ball court, pickle ball court, and corn hole are available. Ramada's, Tot Lots, BBQ's, an entry waterfall, and acres of landscaped and grass areas make Promenade your Oasis in the Desert. We look forward to meeting you soon.

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7606 W Smoketree Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$602,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,953 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784466

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the exquisite Larkspur floorplan in this stunning single-story home, offering 1,953 sq. ft. of elegant living space. This thoughtfully designed residence features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 modern baths, and a versatile den, perfect for a home office or entertainment area. The heart of the home is the stylish kitchen, complete with sleek gray cabinets, a stainless steel sink tub, and a striking granite island—ideal for entertaining. Enjoy the seamless flow of gray-brown plank tile throughout, enhancing the modern aesthetic. Step outside to relax on the covered patio, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or evening gatherings. The attached two-car garage provides ample storage and convenience.

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16109 W Mohave Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$602,500

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,959 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6703414

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy this HOT summer swimming with friends and family! This Beautiful 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 3 car garage, RV Gate home is a steel! Don't miss out on this 12,916 Sqft Lot!

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10195 S Bickwell Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$602,368

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,094 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739955

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover a unique home and buying experience at Laurel at Blossom Rock! This 2-story Heritage design is currently under construction and features a spacious, open-concept floorplan. The inviting kitchen flows seamlessly into a bright great room that opens to a private, covered outdoor space, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The 3-car garage includes a convenient drop zone, and the home offers 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a great room, and a kitchen with an island. Plus, $42,000 in premium upgrades are already included, and special financing options are available. The home is anticipated to be completed by September. Blossom Rock is designed for outdoor living, with community parks, miles of scenic trails, beautiful lakes, and signature events that bring the community together.

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24422 N 142nd Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$602,022

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,812 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786907

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6786907 December Completion. Discover the expansive 50RM4 floor plan at Ravenna at Rancho Mercado, designed to elevate your lifestyle. At the heart of this inviting home, a spacious gathering area flows effortlessly into the dining space and a modern kitchen, complete with a central island and a walk-in pantry for added convenience. The adjoining covered back patio offers a tranquil retreat, ideal for outdoor dining or relaxing evenings. The luxurious primary suite is a true haven, featuring dual vanities, a soaking tub, a separate shower, and an oversized walk-in closet. This thoughtful layout also includes a versatile flex room, perfect as a home office or study, and a dedicated teen room adaptable to your unique needs. Structural options include: teen room, 15' x 8' sliding glass door, garage service door, alternative A/C location, and gourmet kitchen.

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264 E Citrus Hollow Way Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$600,741

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,678 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6659762

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This brand new Valletta model is move-in ready! It features a spacious layout with plenty of natural light. The kitchen is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. It has a gourmet kitchen, gas cooktop and will be the perfect place to entertain your guests. Both bathrooms are highly upgraded with tile surround and upgraded fixtures. The resort collection at Encanterra offers you the perfect balance if you are a seasonal owner or full time. Book your tour today and start living the good life at Encanterra now!

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4284 Ponderosa Trail Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$600,721

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,828 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770314

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the Flourish floor plan in the Homestead neighborhood, a stunning designer home crafted by the Shea interior design team. This 2 bed, 2 bath home features GE Profile electric built-in appliances & brushed nickel accents throughout. Enjoy upgraded framed mirrors & heavy glass enclosures at both baths, along with upgraded quartz countertops & custom tile mosaics. The kitchen boasts full overlay cabinets, cabinet pullouts, under-cabinet lighting, & a 15ft sliding glass wall in the living room. Additional features include upgraded electrical, extended covered patio, 4ft garage extension, $23k in tile flooring, & nearly $30k in custom landscaping. Visit the Shea sales office for current incentives.

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11620 N 170th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85388

$600,539

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,467 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720741

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6720741 January 2025 Completion! The Appaloosa floorplan at Paradisi offers 2,467 sq. ft. of living space, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a 2.5-car garage, and a study. Upon entering the foyer, you'll find secondary bedrooms on one side and a study on the other. Moving further, a stunning courtyard surrounded by your home offers privacy for relaxing or hosting. The open-concept gathering room, kitchen, and dining area form the heart of the home. The owner's suite is separate from the secondary bedrooms, boasting split vanities and a walk-in closet. Enjoy a perfect blend of functionality and elegance in this thoughtfully designed home. Structural options include: paver courtyard, 15' x 8' sliding glass door, upgraded square corners, and rain shower in primary bath.

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