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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342 W Beechnut Place
Sun Lakes, AZ 85248
$579,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,904
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6773289
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
REMODELED PALMERA model w/ SPLIT BEDROOMS & Den + MULTI-PURPOSE Climate Controlled AZ Room on PRIVATE Corner Lot in the GATED, ADULT community of Ironwood. ALL NEW: Luxury Plank Flooring, Baseboards, Lighting/Fans, Fixtures & Interior/Exterior Paint. 2017 AC, VAULTED CEILINGS & Water Softener. GREAT ROOM is open to the EAT-IN KITCHEN w/ Pantry, Island, Stainless Appliances, INDUCTION COOKTOP & 42''Maple Cabinets. Spacious Primary Bedroom w/Bay Window has a LARGE BATHROOM w/ Quartz, Double Vanity, tiled WALK-IN Shower + HUGE WALK-IN CLOSET. Tons of STORAGE in the Laundry Room & EXTENDED 2 CAR Epoxied Garage. Low maintenance NORTH-FACING backyard w/ fruit trees. Come enjoy Sun Lakes w/ its amenities of golf, tennis, pickleball, pools, fitness center, clubs, social activities & restaurant.
16062 W Alameda Road
Surprise, AZ 85387
$578,960
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,674
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6729568
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MOVE IN READY, BRIGHT GREAT ROOM PLAN , QUICK CLOSE!! 4 BEDROOM PLUS LOFT, 3.5 BATH , 9'CEILINGS, GOURMET KITCHEN LAYOUT, UPGRADE CABINETS , GRANITE KITCHEN TOPS, SPA SHOWER, TILED FLOORING. 2'WHITE BLINDS, CEILING FANS, FRONT YARD LANSCAPING COMPLETED, ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOME, INDOOR AIR PLUS. A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE COMMUNITY POOL AREA, PICNIC AREA, TOT LOTS, BASKETBALL, PICKLE BALL COURTSAND SO MUCH MORE.
3726 E Rochelle Circle
Mesa, AZ 85215
$578,950
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,705
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6749729
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This is a to be built home being offered at Base Price plus lot premium. Price includes a nice standard feature package and an option allowance to be used at the Design Studio to personalize the home to your tastes. Features include a heavy iron front door, 2x6 ext. framing, dual pane vinyl windows, Carrier gas furnace and AC. Price includes ceramic tile in select areas. Choice of interior door styles, iron front door styles plus choice of door hardware and bathroom fixture colors. 10' interior ceilings, front porch and rear patio included! Much more. Front view picture is of an artists rendering, pics are of a upgraded former model home. Final price is determined by any other options or upgrades added by buyer at the Design Studio. Taxes are estimated. 2025 completion
8572 W Palo Verde Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85345
$578,900
5
Beds
2
Baths
2,196
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6731165
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your next business opportunity! This spacious 5 beds, 2 baths home with a sprinkler system is ideal for starting or expanding a group home business. Previously licensed for a 10-bed behavior group home, it offers ample room for residents with its professionally converted garage adding extra space. Located in a prime area with easy access to local amenities and healthcare facilities, Its turnkey nature allows for business operations, offering significant growth potential and profitability.
6971 W Heritage Way
Florence, AZ 85132
$578,700
2
Beds
2
Baths
2,324
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769497
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
RESORT STYLE LIVING.....w/ your own pool on the 16th fairway of POSTON BUTTE golf course! Enter the spacious courtyard & into your dreams. Chef Lux kitchen features an island, stainless appliances, gas cooktop, double ovens, above/under cabinet lighting, R/O, tile backsplash & granite counters. Owner's Suite w/ slider to the patio & overlooks the SPARKLING POOL, WATERFALL & GOLF COURSE! Relax on the ext patio w/ sunshades & lush landscaping. Living area features a built in entertainment center, water feature & surround sound. Room for guests w/ Murphy bed/built in desk in the den. FULL 3 car garage leaves room for toys! Home is offered turnkey/furnished for no additional cost! ENJOY ALL SUN CITY OFFERS w/outdoor/indoor pools/spas, full gym & Poston Butte Golf Course! AVAILABLE TODAY!!
18176 W Paradise Lane
Surprise, AZ 85388
$578,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,230
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760419
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome Home! This Meticulously maintained 4 bedroom, 2 bath home backs to a quiet greenbelt with walking trails giving you privacy while enjoying swimming in the custom pool that features a waterfall or relaxing on the covered patio. Enjoy cooking in the gourmet kitchen which includes cherry cabinets, granite countertops, double oven and all new SS appliances. Cozy up next to the gas fireplace in the great room that features 10' tall ceilings and plantation blinds throughout the house. The large primary bedroom features sliding door access to the patio and pool area, an ensuite bathroom, walk in closet with built-ins. Enjoy the oversized three car garage with built-in cabinets and a large laundry room. New AC/Heater/Water Heater. This home shows like brand new, you wont be disappointed.
3887 E Claxton Avenue
Gilbert, AZ 85297
$578,000
5
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,523
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6732789
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Incredible investment opportunity in the award winning Power Ranch community. Spacious 5 bedroom/3bathroom with tenant secured at competitive market rent to 2/28/25. Primary bath has large walk in closet, as does one of the guest bedrooms. Covered patio with flagstone pathway and low maintenance landscape
618 E Cleveland Court
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
$578,000
5
Beds
4
Baths
4,141
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6748218
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful house in the desired area of San Tan Valley/Queen Creek area. HUGE home with 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, open-floor plan, big loft, large bedroom and full bathroom downstairs, oversized walk-in closet, 3-car garage, large RV gate with enough area for all your toys and storage and a huge backyard to relax. Just minutes away from HWY 60 and Hwy 24 for easy access to your job and the city. This community featuring lots of walking and biking paths, parks and volleyball court, entertainment and much, much more.
10237 E Ulysses Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$577,946
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,536
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769954
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your 2024 DREAM home in the highly sought-after Medley at Avalon Crossing! Over $62k in UPGRADES! This BEAUTIFUL home combines stylish elegance + thoughtful living spaces! GOURMET kitchen features quartz countertops + Whirlpool stainless appliance suite! The great room is perfect for entertaining, while the upstairs loft offers additional living space. Private primary suite w/ensuite bath! Balcony! Situated in a BEAUTIFUL community, residents can take advantage of wonderful amenities including a heated pool, playgrounds, bocce ball courts, and scenic walking paths lined with trees. Perfectly designed for modern living, this home offers luxury, comfort, and community all in one! WELCOME HOME!
4182 E Bonanza Road
Gilbert, AZ 85297
$577,770
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,502
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769940
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome Home to Award Winning Power Ranch! Beautiful MOVE IN READY, 4 Bedroom, 3 Full Baths, Living room, Great room, and Oversized Loft! Additional features include front & back covered patios, second level balcony, granite countertops, and upgraded Kitchen Appliances. Samsung Washer, Dryer & Fridge, are INCLUDED! Lower level bedroom & full bath are perfect for a private in-law suite, gym, guest room, or office! 2 car garage, plus partially covered driveway allows parking for 6 vehicles! Power Ranch has 26+ miles of trails, parks, sports, pools, splash pad, lakes, clubhouse, schools, and green belts. Fantastic location allows walking & biking to stores, eateries, gyms, schools, trails, and the Gilbert Regional Park! Its not just a Home, Its a Lifestyle!
18370 W College Drive
Goodyear, AZ 85395
$577,645
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,099
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6750583
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
ENTERTAINER'S DELIGHT! Welcome home to a stunning Meritage 3 bedroom, 2 bath home plus large den, located in the highly-sought after Sedella community in Goodyear. Home sits on a large lot with a beautiful landscaped backyard boasting a large sparkling pool, a large ramada with pavers, a beautiful gas fire pit for those cool desert nights, synthetic turf, large covered patio and dwarf fruit trees. Home also has a large RV Gate with generous paved parking, and RV parking IS allowed. From the moment you walk through the front entry, the spacious floor plan opens up to a great room with vaulted ceilings and a beautiful modern kitchen with a large island and a walk-in pantry, made for entertaining. Primary bedroom suite is split from other bedrooms for private tranquility..... All bedrooms have ample walk-in closets. This home shows pride of ownership and is move-in ready, and shopping and other conveniences are close by.
21355 E Sparrow Drive
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$577,511
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,185
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6753927
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this stunning home in Ascent at Jorde Farms, featuring numerous upgrades! Inside, you'll find a gourmet kitchen with designer cabinets, quartz countertops, and Whirlpool stainless steel appliances. The open-concept great room is ideal for entertaining. The private primary bedroom has spacious walk-in closet. This house also boasts upgraded paint and flooring, among $75K of other options and upgrades.