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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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

1580 Calle Simpatico Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

Open House

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,004 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761470

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This PRISTINE CUSTOM ''JEB'' home is located in the desirable PUEBLO CASSANDRA Village, where luxury meets comfort and security featuring a HEATED POOL and spa to enjoy year-round ARIZONA living. Step through the front door to be wowed by vaulted ceilings, open floorplan, plantation shutters, ambiance lighting, a gorgeous chandelier and a cozy gas fireplace. Not a detail left behind in the kitchen with stainless appliances, beveled edge GRANITE countertops, spacious island, and extensive Knotty-Alder soft touch CUSTOM cabinetry. Hide-a-way to the PRIMARY SUITE through PRIVATE DOUBLE ENTRY doors complete with a HUGE walk-in closet and separate exit to the expansive COVERED PATIO surrounded by a stucco finished wall. WOW! This EXQUISIT home with resort living is IN WICKENBURG!

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11757 W Montana De Oro Drive Sun City, AZ 85373

Open House

$575,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,791 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777966

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Owned Solar! In the Dos Rios Neighborly Neighborhood! This spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bath home in Sun City is NOT in an age-restricted area, offering all the benefits of the thriving North Peoria community nearby. The main floor features a friendly layout with one bedroom and a full bath, plus a living room, family room, and dining area, while upstairs adds a versatile loft space. The low-maintenance turf yard and 3-car garage provides convenience and ample storage. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity!

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955 S Henry Lane Gilbert, AZ 85296

Open House

$575,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,539 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783385

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this lovely 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence in Cooley Station North! Discover a charming living room with high ceilings, half-moon clerestory windows, and wood-look flooring. The inviting family room is perfect for relaxing moments with loved ones. Cook delicious meals in the gourmet kitchen, equipped with granite counters, warm wood cabinetry with crown moulding, pendant/recessed lighting, and a large serving window with a breakfast bar. You'll also find a versatile den ideal for an office or study. Upstairs, the size-able loft provides additional living space. The main bedroom offers plush new carpeting, a walk-in closet, and an ensuite with double sinks. Outdoors, you'll find a covered patio for al fresco dining and a rear-entry 3-car garage. Make it yours!

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2930 W Laredo Lane Phoenix, AZ 85085

Open House

New

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,788 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784835

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Meticulously maintained home with extensive builder updates in a gated community. The owner selected timeless, soft-grey custom upgraded cabinetry (48'' in upper cabinets) with gorgeous granite and coordinating glass back splash, charming farm sink, range (ALSO PLUMBED FOR GAS) and stainless steel appliances. The open floor plan flows perfectly and has a living room/den positioned toward the front which is perfect flex space. Split master floorpan with a spacious walk-in closet, dual sinks and natural light. Upgraded flooring, window coverings, custom paint, crown molding. The backyard has a covered patio and artificial turf for the ultimate in low maintenance. Newest home in the subdivision and more current finishes. This home is spectacular.

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7179 W Surrey Avenue Peoria, AZ 85381

Open House

New

$575,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,081 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785618

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning 5 bedroom, 3 bath home in the heart of Peoria. Featuring a 3-car garage and a sparkling pool, this residence offers luxurious living with an open floor plan that invites natural light through high ceilings and large windows. The modern kitchen is equipped with ample counter and cabinet space, perfect for meal preparation along with a huge island. The master suite is a retreat with its private bath featuring double sinks, a separate walk-in shower, and a soaking tub. The backyard is huge with lots of space and a sparkling pool, ideal for outdoor activities and entertaining. Conveniently located near schools, parks, shopping, and dining, this home is perfect for comfortable living.

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5605 N 206th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

Open House

New

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,528 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786833

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in Victory, an exclusive age-restricted community nestled next to the White Tank Mountains in Buckeye. This stunning residence, built in 2023, offers the perfect blend of modern luxury and an active lifestyle. Step inside to discover a beautifully upgraded home. Three bedrooms including an extra flex space, perfect for remote work or hobbies, an extended garage that provides ample space including built in garage cabinets for your recreational gear. The outdoor living space is a true highlight, showcasing a cozy gas fireplace and mountain views both from the backyard and gated front courtyard. The stylish furnishings and decor can be included with a full price offer, making your move seamless and stress-free. Don't miss this opportunity for you in Victory!!

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2989 N 44th Street Unit 3028 Phoenix, AZ 85018

Open House

$575,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,743 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6723473

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Sunsets and sparkling city light views frame this urban contemporary condominium in gated Arcadia Grove.Surrounded by towering pines, palms, Koi ponds and waterfalls this luxury property is 10 minutes to galleries, restaurants, Sky Harbor, Scottsdale, Biltmore, Tempe and downtown Phoenix. St. Joe's/Barrows, Phoenix Children's and AZ Heart hospitals are a dream commute.With private garages for 3 cars, this single level unit offers 1,743 square feet, 2 master bedrooms with large walk-in closets, a study (or 3rd bedroom) with custom office furniture and 3 baths. The neutral palette, great room floor plan and large private balcony with views of Camelback, provide a tranquil setting. Resort style heated pool/spa, 24 hour fitness center and clubhouse with catering kitchen complete this property

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7353 E Milagro Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

Open House

$575,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,352 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770673

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this beautifully updated 5-bedroom home, freshly painted and move-in ready. The expansive living area on the main floor provides an ideal space for hosting and gathering. Step outside to enjoy a meticulously landscaped backyard, complete with a sparkling pool, safely enclosed by a fence. Situated in a highly desirable location, this property is within walking distance to Monterey Park, Gilbert's top-rated schools, and offers easy access to major highways, shopping centers, and dining options. An opportunity like this is not to be missed!

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13370 W Domino Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

Open House

$575,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,926 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766463

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

RARE 2021 'MOSAIC' WITH 3-CAR GARAGE! Neutral palette. Wide plank tile flooring, kitchen with granite slab on countertops & island, stainless appliances with 5 burners gas stove. Huge SMART SPACE with washer/dryer, 2 built-in desks, laundry sink, abundant cabinets with roll outs and WALK-IN PANTRY. Large open great rm with adjacent extended dining rm big enough for large table. Primary suite w/large walk-in closet, double sinks, large shower and separate toilet rm. Den with double French doors/multipurpose. Very spacious 2nd bed. Lovely, landscaped lot, full fenced yard. Upgraded lighting, fans and blinds throughout plus top-down/bottom-up shades in bedrooms. This home is 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. Move-in ready!

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5929 N 189th Glen Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

Open House

$575,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,617 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771789

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BETTER THAN NEW!! This gorgeous home built in 2021 sits on a corner lot and is perfect for entertaining! Open and spacious floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 10 ft ceilings, and a separate den/office. The gourmet kitchen features a massive island (just shy of 11 ft), quartz countertops, double wall oven, gas cooktop, built in microwave, deep farmhouse sink, walk in panty, and stainless-steel appliances. Stunning sunset mountain views from the front of the home. Primary suite has its own zone for AC and heat and a large walk-in closet. Owners have installed a water softener and epoxied the garage floor. The back yard is complete with a covered patio, pavers, palm and fruit trees, and turf. Walking distance to Canyon View High School

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18822 N Grandview Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

Open House

$575,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,319 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750441

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Home is situated on the 10th fairway on the Grandview Golf Course in Sun City West. The solar lease was installed in 2011 and is paid until 2032. Giving you the luxury of sustainable energy. This property has premium upgrades in the kitchen with quartz countertops, stylish cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. Roof underlayment was replaced in 2017 and the HVAC system was updated in 2013. The Master Bath was beautifully appointed with new cabinets, tiled shower and sinks and plantation shutters in the master bedroom. Further adding to the charm are the tubular skylights adding natural light. Complementing the indoor living space is an enclosed lanai and a huge covered patio. The outside offers beautiful views of the White Tank Mountains and serene spaces to unwind.

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4338 E Desert Marigold Drive Cave Creek, AZ 85331

Open House

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,588 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6744958

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Priced to sell! Beautifully upgraded 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-story home. Over the past 3-4 years, this residence has undergone extensive updates. Significant improvements include a new roof underlayment, new A/C system, updated kitchen and bathrooms, over $40k invested in new windows and exterior iron doors, custom trim work, newer carpet, fresh interior paint, new outlets, new light switches, and updated lighting fixtures. The 1,588 square foot floor plan is thoughtfully designed for maximum efficiency, ensuring every inch is utilized effectively with no wasted space. The backyard offers a blank canvas, ready for your personal customization. Ideally located in Tatum Ranch, this home is just a short drive from dining, golf courses, and schools

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