Finding a tenant is easy. Finding the right tenant takes work. One of the most important services we provide through rental property management is marketing the property, identifying qualified applicants, and conducting thorough tenant screening services before a lease is signed. For landlords in Broward County, Palm Beach County, and surrounding South Florida communities, having a consistent local process helps keep tenant selection organized from the beginning.
A vacant property costs money, so we want to find a tenant promptly. But filling a property quickly should never be more important than making a careful, informed decision about who will be living there.
Step 1: Preparing the Property for the Rental Market
The process begins before the first prospective tenant ever sees the property. We evaluate the home, discuss rental pricing with the owner, identify items that may need attention, and prepare the property to compete effectively in the local rental market.
Pricing matters. A property priced too high can sit vacant, while a property priced too low may unnecessarily reduce the owner’s return. Our goal is to position the property competitively based on the current market and the property’s individual characteristics.
Step 2: Advertising and Marketing
Once the property is ready, we begin marketing it to prospective tenants. We prepare the rental listing, photographs and property information and advertise the property through appropriate real estate and online marketing channels as part of our tenant placement services.
We respond to inquiries, communicate with prospective tenants, answer questions, and coordinate property showings.
But generating inquiries is only the beginning.
Step 3: Qualifying Prospective Tenants
Not every person who inquires about a property will ultimately be a qualified applicant. As prospective tenants move through the process, we apply established rental criteria consistently and in accordance with applicable Fair Housing requirements.
We want to understand whether an applicant can reasonably meet the financial obligations of the lease and whether the information provided on the application can be verified.
The objective is not simply to find someone willing to rent the property. The objective is to help the landlord make an informed decision about a qualified applicant.
Step 4: Comprehensive Tenant Screening
Once we have a serious applicant, we conduct a more detailed tenant screening process with the applicant’s required authorization. Depending on the screening services used and information legally available, this may include:
- Credit history
- Criminal-history screening
- Eviction-related history
- Identity and application verification
- Nationwide sex-offender registry information
- Other relevant rental qualification information
A screening report is not viewed in isolation. Information is evaluated using established rental criteria and applicable federal, state and local requirements.
Step 5: Verification Matters
A rental application is information supplied by the applicant. Tenant screening services help us independently evaluate and verify relevant information.
Where appropriate, we may also verify income, employment, rental history or other information relevant to the application.
This additional work takes time, but tenant selection is not an area where we believe in taking unnecessary shortcuts.
Step 6: Keeping the Landlord Informed
We manage the process, but it is still the landlord’s property. Once the application and screening process is complete, we communicate the relevant information to the property owner and proceed in accordance with the owner’s instructions, applicable screening criteria and the law.
Our role is to give the landlord the information needed to make an informed decision while helping keep the process professional, consistent and properly documented.
Why Tenant Selection Matters
A tenant can occupy a rental property for years. The difference between a successful tenancy and a difficult one can affect rent collection, property condition, neighbor relationships, maintenance issues, legal expenses and ultimately the owner’s return on the investment.
For landlords seeking property management for landlords, tenant selection is one of the most important parts of the overall management process.
No screening process can guarantee how a tenancy will turn out. But careful marketing, qualification, verification and screening can help an owner make a much better-informed decision than simply accepting the first person willing to pay the rent.
Our job isn’t just to find a tenant. It’s to help the owner find a qualified tenant and start the landlord-tenant relationship on the right foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does tenant screening include?
Tenant screening may include credit history, criminal-history screening, eviction-related history, identity verification, income verification, rental history, and other relevant information, depending on the screening services used and information legally available.
Why is tenant screening important for landlords?
Tenant screening gives landlords more information before approving an applicant. A consistent screening process helps owners evaluate an applicant’s financial and rental background instead of making a decision based only on the initial application.
How long does the tenant screening process take?
The timeframe depends on the information required, the screening services used, and how quickly the applicant provides the necessary authorization and documentation. The goal is to complete the process carefully without taking unnecessary shortcuts.
Do you provide tenant placement services?
Yes. Tenant placement services include preparing the property for the rental market, creating and marketing the listing, responding to inquiries, coordinating showings, qualifying applicants, and supporting the leasing process.
Do you screen tenants before a lease is signed?
Yes. Serious applicants go through a screening and verification process before the leasing decision is completed. The information is evaluated using established rental criteria and applicable requirements.
Do landlords make the final tenant decision?
Yes. It is the landlord’s property and the owner remains involved in the decision-making process. Advanced Portfolio Management provides relevant information from the application and screening process so the landlord can make an informed decision.
Do you manage tenant screening for out-of-state landlords?
Yes. This service is particularly useful for out-of-state landlords who own rental properties in South Florida. The local management team handles the screening process and communicates relevant information to the owner.
Does tenant screening guarantee a good tenant?
No screening process can guarantee how a tenancy will develop. Careful marketing, qualification, verification, and screening can, however, give landlords better information and help them make a more informed decision.
