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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90 Ponderosa Drive Mormon Lake, AZ 86038

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,120 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6721100

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

What an absolutely unbelievable one-of-a-kind, off-the-grid, three bedroom and two bath cabin in Stoneman Lake. Overlooking the lake and filled with character and charm, this is the perfect getaway in the perfect setting. On nearly an acre, you'll have the privacy you crave with views to die for. The expansive wraparound covered porch has plenty of room for entertaining with summer temperatures in the mid to low 80's. Inside, the main living area is centered around a cozy rock-faced wood fireplace. The kitchen has a beautiful antique replica stove that catches your eye the moment you walk in. Wood and vinyl plank flooring, metal roof, fruit trees, and the list goes on. Better yet, everything is included. Furniture, furnishings, bedding, towels, dishes, yard tools and all shed items too.

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13050 W Running Deer Trail Peoria, AZ 85383

$585,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,867 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736595

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Over $70,000 in new updates and upgrades in this beautiful Stone elevation 'Libertas' model! This home is MOVE-IN ready! New OWNED SOLAR installed in 2023, New TRANE 5-TON HVAC with FULL home allergy FILTRATION system & Entire home SURGE PROTECTION,2021. Newly renovated kitchen with beautiful refinished staggered cabinets with roll out shelves, ALL NEW GE Cafe SS Appliances, including 6 burner GAS stove with griddle option, DOUBLE OVENS, Microwave, Dishwasher and 4 DOOR/FRENCH DOOR REFRIG. W/ WATER DISP, 2022. Eat-in kitchen with premium Granite Slab counter tops and huge island. Fresh interior paint throughout and new plush carpet in bedrooms, 2023. N/S orientation, PRIVATE backyard with built in gas BBQ, covered patio with surround sound, perfect for outdoor BBQ's with friends. Newer PVC drip system & timer, 2018. Exterior paint, 2020. GARAGE EXTENDED 4' for your golf cart or storage. This home has it ALL! Priced to sell! Maytag Washer & Dryer w/pedestals new 2022! Additional home upgrades include: Newer reverse osmosis, 2021 & water softener. Garbage disposal replaced in 2022. Great room features surround sound w/5 built-in speakers, New dimmer switches and LED recessed lighting upgraded in dining room & hallway. This home is located in award-winning gated, 55+ Trilogy at Vistancia with 5-star-resort style amenities at the 35,000 SF Kiva Club with indoor & outdoor pools, fitness center, day spa, cafe, billiards, meeting rooms, library, tennis courts, pickle ball, bocce ball, events & a plethora of activities to choose from. Outstanding Gary Panks-designed golf course is woven throughout the original part of the neighborhood. The Mita Club has additional outstanding community amenities. Easy access from Trilogy to the 303, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, Lake Pleasant & Paloma Park, Peoria's huge community park loaded with amenities.

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1514 E Diamond Street Phoenix, AZ 85006

$585,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,766 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730147

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Check out this CHARMING, VINTAGE, ADOBE, home located in the exciting North Garfield HISTORIC DISTRICT! Thanks to a large ensuite and ARIZONA ROOM addition this home is quite LARGE compared to neighboring homes (1,776 SF). Additionally this home features a fully detached casita/GUEST HOUSE with kitchenette, bathroom, and it's own HVAC unit, making it perfect to use for your favorite in-laws or to supplement the mortgage with a tenant... Step inside the main house and you will find tasteful upgrades that perfectly accentuate all of the historic charm that this home has to offer. ORIGINAL DETAILS INCLUDE; coved ceilings, wooden front door w/ hardware, mail slot, milk door, and hutch. And to top this all off, the home comes with OWNED SOLAR! AVG. electricity bill is $65/Mo!

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2704 E Fairmount Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85016

$585,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,580 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731098

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully upgraded 4-bedroom home in the sought-after Biltmore/Arcadia Lite area! This move-in ready home features a new roof, HVAC, water heater, and stylish Vinyl Lux flooring. The remodeled kitchen and wet bar are perfect for entertaining, with farm doors adding charm. The large lot with no HOA includes a backyard with alley access and a detached garage, ideal for a workshop or potential ADU for rental income or extra space. Minutes from top dining and shopping, this home offers modern living and endless possibilities.

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22740 N 74th Lane Glendale, AZ 85310

$585,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,242 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748677

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Situated on a great lot in the community of Hillcrest this 4 bedroom 2 bath home has everything you are looking for. Great curb appeal with new exterior paint in 2021. Step inside to beautiful inlaid tile in neutral colors, large open living room with art niches, vaulted ceilings and bright open windows. Open kitchen with plenty of cabinet and counters space, kitchen island and great spot for a dining table - all over looking the cozy family room. Nice primary bedroom with ensuite bath featuring a step in shower, soaking tub and dual vanities. Beautiful back yard with large covered patio, sparkling pool/spa with rock accents, grassy area, and mature landscaping. New roof in 2017; New heat pump/AC in 2018; New water heater 2023. No neighbors behind you. Low HOA! So much to love!!

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12311 W Tigerseye Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,157 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752337

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your Desert Oasis... Pride of ownership is definitely shown in this move in ready 3 bedroom 2 bath home with a retreat style backyard. The home has many updates in the kitchen, living room, formal dining/family room, bathrooms, flooring, Arizona room, pergola with 6 person hot tub, updated pool decking, and painted sidewalks. All major appliances included. Interior window shutters on all front windows and new mini spilt in the Arizona room. Don't miss this one of kind gem! Come see it today!

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11410 N 50th Lane Glendale, AZ 85304

$585,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,782 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755548

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful Former Model Home...Inviting 5 bedroom, 3 full bathrooms! Real wood plantation shutters, recess lighting, 8 foot doors and closets, 5 inch base boards throughout home. Gorgeous kitchen w/ white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite counter top, and an island w/ a breakfast bar. Spacious primary bedroom w/ large walk in closet, double sinks w/ subway tiled walk in shower. Primary bedroom PLUS 2 additional bedrooms and another bath downstairs! Large loft, 2 more bedrooms and a bath upstairs. Energy efficient spray foam insulation keeps electric bills low. Laundry room w/ sink and custom cabinets downstairs. Dreamy backyard showcases a covered patio, pavers, built-in BBQ, a fire pit, & an enticing pool for year-round entertainment! A MUST SEE!!

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8575 W Maya Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$585,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,052 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754697

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning, move-in ready home is located in the desirable West Wing Mountain community. As you enter the home, you are greeted by a spacious living/dining room. The kitchen and main living space flow into the resort style backyard with artificial turf and a modern swimming pool, complete with a large Baja shelf, full cleaning system, and color laminar water features. With 4 bedrooms and 2 luxurious bathrooms, this home is a MUST SEE! Mountain views and a quiet neighborhood top off this gorgeous home. Very close to K-8 school and multiple community parks.

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6233 W Mescal Street Glendale, AZ 85304

$585,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,444 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760532

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The search is finally over! This delightful residence boasts a 3-car garage and a well-kept front yard. Fall in love with the inviting open layout highlighting vaulted ceilings, a soothing palette, skylights that bathe the space in natural light, and attractive wood-look flooring. You'll also find a cozy family room downstairs, including a warm fireplace for relaxing evenings! The kitchen has granite counters, abundant white shaker cabinets, a stylish tile backsplash, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, a handy pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The main bedroom offers an ensuite with dual sinks and a walk-in closet. The backyard features a covered patio, a firepit with seating areas, and a refreshing pool for endless summer fun. Make this gem yours!

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3706 S Cottonwood Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$585,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,669 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768193

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, single-story home with a 2-car garage and no HOA! Recently renovated within the last 5 years, including a new A/C unit, this home features hard floors throughout and an open-concept kitchen with granite countertops. The exterior boasts fresh paint, a low-maintenance yard, and a sparkling PebbleTec diving pool. The spacious covered patio is ideal for entertaining. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, entertainment, the 101/60 freeways, and Ehrhardt Park. This home is the perfect blend of style, comfort, and location!

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9731 E Torino Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,987 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766264

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous single level home in the highly sought after Cadence at Gateway community. This upgraded 3 bed + flex room, and 2 bath home has a great open floor plan; ideal for both living and entertaining. Step inside the front door to a flex room, perfect as an office or additional living space, and two additional bedrooms. The flex room has a beautiful barn door and a board and batten wall. Head over to the spacious and open concept living space featuring: the kitchen, dining space, and main living room. The gourmet kitchen has an extended island with quartz counters and pendant lighting with enough seating for at least five people. Stainless steel appliances, soft close cabinets, and pullout shelves in the pantry. The kitchen opens up to the main living room with a custom built entertainment center and extended patio sliding doors. The dining space area is fit for a 6-8 person table. Step outside and relax in the backyard under the covered patio or next to the built in fire pit, custom garden boxes, or built in BBQ station. The primary room easily fits a king sized bed, two night stands, and dresser. It features a large walk in closet and ensuite bathroom. Patio pavers surround the perimeter of the home. Tandem 3-car garage with overhead storage and water softeners. Home is situated with no rear neighbors giving the ultimate feel of privacy. Cadence at Gateway is known for their incredible amenities: community center, game room, grills, resort-style pools and hot tub, tennis/basketball/bocce ball courts, indoor workout center, walking paths, multiple playgrounds, and more. Fantastic location! Minutes from the 24 and close to everyday conveniences such as: restaurants, QT, Target, Safeway, and more.

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6846 E Grandview Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,229 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770436

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the charm of this fantastic 3-bed, 2-bath home minutes away from Kierland and Scottsdale Quarter! Starting with a 2-car garage and a manicured landscape w/natural grass & shade trees. Interior features plantation shutters, neutral paint, vaulted ceilings, and tile flooring w/plush carpet in bedrooms. You'll love the large living & dining room combo, paired with French doors! The kitchen boasts built-in appliances, butcher block counters, subway tile backsplash, two-tone cabinetry, track lighting, a walk-in pantry, and a cozy breakfast nook w/bay window. Enter the main bedroom to find backyard access & a full bathroom for added comfort. Check out the tranquil backyard, offering an extended covered patio & a built-in BBQ! Don't miss this opportunity to own in 85254 with no HOA!

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