Finding the ideal renter for your property can sometimes feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. 🌾 But it doesn't have to be that way. With the right tools and insights, you can transform this daunting task into a seamless, efficient process. This is where Clara comes into play, a platform that allows landlords to lease with confidence. It's not just about looking at a credit score or conducting a background check. It's about seeing the full picture of who the renter is.
In this post, you will learn about the importance of reviewing a rental application thoroughly, focusing on rental history and references. You'll discover how Clara can help in this process, providing a renter-friendly, secure, and transparent platform. Let's dive in! 🏊♀️
(For an overview of an entire rental application, check out this post)
When reviewing a rental application, it's crucial to collect as much information as possible about the applicant. This includes their rental history and references.
Rental History: Ask applicants to share information about their previous rentals. This information typically includes details about the applicant's previous rental properties, including the landlord's name, contact information, dates of tenancy, and reason for leaving. This helps you establish a timeline of their rental history. Don't fret if you come across an application with no rental history. This is common with college students or Gen Z renters who are new to the rental market. 🎓
One thing to watch out for is gaps in the rental history. If there are unexplained periods of time where the applicant does not provide any rental information, it could indicate that they were evicted, lived with friends or family, or had financial difficulties. While it is essential to give applicants the benefit of the doubt, it is crucial to further inquire about these gaps to ensure they are not hiding any negative rental experiences.
References: Previous landlords can provide valuable insights into a renter's behavior and reliability. Did they pay rent on time? Did they maintain the property well? Personal references can also be helpful, especially for new renters. 📝
With references, look out for the omission of a previous landlord contact information. If an applicant fails to provide a landlord's information or does not request a reference from a previous landlord, it could indicate a problematic rental history. In such cases, it is advisable to reach out to the previous landlords listed and inquire about the applicant's tenancy. This will help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of the applicant's rental history and their relationship with previous landlords.
All of this information not only gives you a better understanding of the renter, but also helps ensure that the renter is who they say they are.
Clara makes it easy for you to collect and review this information.
Renter Profile: Renters can add details about their rental and housing history right in their renter profile.
Inviting Previous Landlords: Renters can invite their previous landlords to share information directly on Clara. This gives you access to firsthand information about the renter's past behavior. Landlords are sent a survey and asked for a general reference and specifics about if the renter paid rent on time, if they maintained the property well, and if they would rent to them again. If this is a first-time renter or someone with only one previous landlord, renters can invite personal references as well. These references can give you valuable insights into the character, reliability, and suitability of the applicant as a renter.
Direct Contact: Alternatively, you can also contact the references directly to ask key questions. This allows you to get a sense of the renter's reliability and character from another perspective.
With Clara, you're not just getting a list of numbers and facts. You're getting a comprehensive, certified profile of the renter.
Clara is built with end-to-end transparency in mind, ensuring equity in the leasing process. This means that renters gain direct insight into how they're being evaluated, while landlords get an all-encompassing view of a renter and their background. It's a win-win situation for both parties. 🏆
Ready to find your next renter? Clara is here to help. With Clara, you can cut your search time, fill your properties faster, and maximize your income. Say goodbye to scattered documents, missing email attachments, and misinformation. Say hello to organized, streamlined, and fully verified renter profiles.
With Clara, finding the ideal renter is no longer like looking for a needle in a haystack. It's more like finding a diamond in the rough. 💎
So, why wait? Start your journey with Clara today and lease with confidence.
