3. Missing Information
Check that the information on the application form is completed fully. Often applicants do not put their income on the application form, or leave one applicants information totally blank (the spouse information for example) or other vital information. Many don’t do this intentionally. Some don’t feel comfortable and others just rush when filling out the form.
If they leave the application form blank for one applicant, often it is found that the main applicant (for example the husband) is clear with ITC and everything is fine, but the spouse isn’t. Now, you may say that this is fine, as the main applicant pays the rent. But what happens if the couple splits up and you are left with the other person to pay the rent and they can’t, but you never checked, so you couldn’t possibly know. In this case, you will be left chasing the main applicant for the money (or even both) while the other is living rent free for as long as they can.
It is your responsibility to check on the spot that all the information is there. The reason you should check on the spot is very significant.
If you see a missing piece of information and ask the applicant to fill in please, you will get a response that should tell you immediately if they are trying to hide something, or just unintentionally missed it. This is crucial as you won’t be able to get a good reaction over the phone or later if you ask for the information.
You can make decisions about the person on their reactions to your kind request. If they missed filling the telephone of the employer, they might not be working there anymore. If they missed filling in the telephone number of their previous landlord they might not want you to call that landlord. By their reaction you will often notice if they are doing this with reluctance or not.
When in doubt – kick out.
4. No References
Some people won’t put any reference in the application form. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe they just don’t know anyone and have no family in this country. Then you must be able to get reference from the work place and you should inquire with them why they have no references to give. Listen carefully to their answer to determine if this is legitimate, or they just don’t want you to call anyone and check on them.
Either way, check if references and last landlords telephone number is filled in. If such information is missing, it should be checked and discussed with the applicant at time of filling in the form and face to face with the applicant.
5. Does Your Potential Tenant Have a Job?
Ask for reference from place of employment or telephone number of employer, and then check that they still work there or ever have.
It was found that people that were fired, made redundant or just left the job, a few days or weeks ago, still put the employers name without contact details. If either of the above happened recently they may need to downsize, but in the mean time they don’t necessarily have a job or money to pay the rent.
If this has happened very recently they can still provide you with a pay slip from the same employer from last month, but you don’t know that they no longer work there.
It is your responsibility to check all the facts, if you don’t want problem tenants and also your decision if you are willing to rent them the property under the circumstances.
If the application is not open and transparent, don't take the tenant.
In the next part we will be discussing issues with self-employed tenants, why good impressions don’t count and who must sign on the lease agreements.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to study law
By: Lilvito | 31-07-2008
how can i become a lawyer if i have a felony in florida and now living in new york?
What rights does a felon have in Pa. after they ...
By: gmoore | 31-07-2008
What rights does a felon have in Pa. after they have served there time and nineteen years have passed? gmoore@ptd.net
I work for the largest automotive wholesale ...
By: Lisa | 22-07-2008
I work for the largest automotive wholesale company located in the East Coast. I am very interested in finding rental car companies to buy and or sell their inventory. I look forward to your suggestions. Please E-mail me at Maillisa@aol.com Thank you so much!
Our previous landlord never notified us in writing ...
By: Julia | 22-07-2008
Our previous landlord never notified us in writing about the security deposit (bank, amount and interest amount) according to ny state law. Does this non complaince void the lease and force her to return our security deposit?
Birth father
By: essiemoss | 22-07-2008
does a father on a birth certificate have to subject himself to dna testing if paternity is question by state if he to be childs father and on birth certificate
Lookin to rent out my home to nurses or medical ...
By: Mooki41 | 21-07-2008
lookin to rent out my home to nurses or medical students in need in miami fl.. who can i speak to?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Real Estate Articles
Finding Foreclosure Help When You Need it
By: Jon Arnold | 08/08/2008
If you need foreclosure help, do not delay in getting the help you need as quickly as you can. You have rights but the best thing you can do is act quickly before foreclosure proceedings get too far down the path.
Golf Real Estate in Arizona Offers Amazing Opportunities
By: Anita | 08/08/2008
Golf enthusiasts are amazed by the offerings found in Arizona. Choose from hundreds of master-planned communities or resorts. Tour Arizona's rugged backcountry or take in the sights of Phoenix, one of the nation's largest cities.
Energy Off the Grid
By: Mark Hostetler | 08/08/2008
With solar power being such a new idea, many states have not yet got around to regulating the specifics for a 'solar' contractor. However, there is a renewable energy incentive program for every state and this would be a good place to start. There is also a web site for solar energy trade groups, which lists contractors.
Considering Buying a Home? Think FHA!
By: Marlon Baugh | 08/08/2008
If you are considering purchasing a home, but you are having problems coming up with the necessary down payment, then FHA has your answer. FHA loans were once only considered for low to moderate income individuals, this however is not the case. If you are buying a primary residence and...
Building and Buying Homes in Our New Favorite Color "Green"
By: Carey Frankel | 08/08/2008
Building and buying homes that are energy efficient and environmentally conscious is what seems to be on a lot of people's mind. More and more buyers are becoming aware of the advantages of building and buying green homes. Find out who is building green homes, programs that are available, what green features to look for when buying your next home, and how to improve your home's efficiency.
Gurgaon's Progressing Real Estate
By: George Gonigal | 08/08/2008
Gurgaon is the most popular suburb in the national capital region. Gurgaon properties are always in demand and people are always in search to buy property there.
Kolkata Real Estate- Following Metro Trends
By: George Gonigal | 08/08/2008
Real estate in Kolkata is undergoing industrial and residential development since long. Trying to catch up with the trends in other metro cities Kolkata is also opening doors to modern day real estate constructions.
Panama Real Estate – Unique Investment in a Growing Country!
By: Clint Jhonson | 08/08/2008
Panama is one of the most beautiful and well-developed countries in Latin America. A country with a rich history, Panama is all about culture, civilization and wildlife. Panama property has captured the eye of keen investors and those looking for a second home. The present prices are low enough for every person to afford a property in this marvelous state.
More from Sean Wheller
Can’t Pay the Mortgage? This is How you Can Save your Property and Avoid Repossession
By: Sean Wheller | 17/11/2007 | Real Estate
It is sad see that there are many property investors and home owners that can’t pay their bonds due to the recent interest rate increases. To add to the trauma, many have refinanced properties to the extent that getting a quick sale in the open market is close to impossible as there is no equity left to make the deal attractive to another investor.
Here are some options, where to go next to save your properties or home.
Is the Nca Going to Bring the Country to Its Knees?
By: Sean Wheller | 18/10/2007 | Real Estate
It has been a whole month and a half since the NCA has taken its’ full force and affect and the horror stories are starting to pour in.
I think that the whole picture of the NCA is not fully clear yet, but the effects have started to take shape.
Is the Nca Contributing to a Better Rental Market?
By: Sean Wheller | 18/10/2007 | Real Estate
As a result of increases in interest Rates and changes enforced by the New National Credit Act, many are predicting that the rental market is about to blossom for buy-to-let investors. The reasoning for these predictions is logical, increased interest rates combined with lower Bond qualifying amounts for property buyers will temporarily forced many people to rent. How true is this prediction?
How Can Some Property Investors Profit From the Nca and is it Morally Right to Do So??
By: Sean Wheller | 18/10/2007 | Real Estate
The country is starting to face the repercussions of the new credit act. Lending is getting tighter and everyone's affordability has been dealt a double blow with increased interest Rates. Many people are not so happy about the new set of circumstances they find themselves in. For many property investors, months of long strategic planning seems to have been for nothing. As most investors go back to the drawing Board, we ask, “Can one profit from such events?”
Property Investors Need to Keep Up With Their Tenants!!
By: Sean Wheller | 18/10/2007 | Real Estate
In today’s information age anyone can find anything they ever want on the Internet. There is no lack of information, by FAR, there is excess more often than not. In today’s world mothers arrive at the doctors rooms with 50 pages of data, printed from the internet, of what can be wrong with their child. There only reason for a visit to the doctor is to confirmation what they think they already know is wrong. This may not be such a good practice, but it is no joke. From doctors to property investo
Unfortunately, I Have Some Bad News for you
By: Sean Wheller | 18/10/2007 | Real Estate
By the day tenants are gaining unfair advantage!
"How long did you think you would get away with it?"
"I don’t know what you are talking about….”
This is a quote from a conversation that was relaid to me. It took place between a property investor and his tenant.
Don't Unknowingly Take on Unnecessarily Liability
By: Sean Wheller | 18/10/2007 | Real Estate
When it comes to letting, it's amazing how many property investors unknowingly take on obligations without ever knowing that they have done so. It happens in away that is so accidental, so transparent that in many cases tenants come and tenants go without either party ever knowing that this was the case.
Increase your Profits With Prepaid Electricity Metering
By: Sean Wheller | 18/10/2007 | Real Estate
Metering of electricity with secondary prepaid electricity meters is an excellent way for property investors, landlords and letting agents to avoid the risk of having to pay electricity utility bills, when tenants don't pay.
However, feedback from the field shows that prepaid electricity meters also have other benefits. Customers who have installed prepaid electricity meters, in their rental units, are telling PrepaidMeters.co.za that one of the interesting benefits of using prepaid meters is t
Finance 
