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5 Tips for How to Attract Good Renters

5 Expert Tips to Attract More Quality Tenants

A SmartMove survey found that 69% of landlords identified troublesome tenants, evictions, and turnover as their biggest challenges. Attracting good tenants not only minimizes these issues but also ensures consistent rental income and long-term property value.

This guide will provide actionable tips for how to find good tenants, highlight the key qualities of great tenants, and share strategies for marketing your property to attract renters.

Key takeaways

  • Good tenants are financially responsible, respectful of property rules, and follow lease terms.
  • Create detailed rental listings using professional photos and highlight key property features.
  • Identify potential red flags like incomplete applications and a history of late payments.
  • Thoroughly screen tenants to verify income, conduct background checks, and contact previous landlords to assess reliability and rental history.
  • Baselane simplifies tenant management with tools to screen tenants, automate rent collection, and track rental income and expenses—all in one place.

What makes a good tenant?

The best tenants pay rent on time, respect property rules, and follow lease terms. When screening potential renters, these are the top 12 good tenant qualities to look for:

Financial responsibility

  • Timely rent payments: Always pays rent on or before the due date.
  • Stable income: Reliable earnings that meet or exceed rent requirements (generally 3x the monthly rent).
  • Good credit history: Maintains a good credit score and has a history of managing finances responsibly.

Respect for property

  • Maintains the unit: Keeps the rental clean and well-maintained.
  • Prevents damage: Respects the property’s original condition and avoids making unauthorized modifications.
  • Reports issues promptly: Communicates maintenance needs before they escalate into costly repairs.

Good rental history

  • Respectful of neighbors: Avoids noise complaints or disturbances.
  • Follows rules: Adheres to lease terms, including pet policies and occupancy limits.
  • Good references: Positive feedback from previous landlords.

Long-term reliability

  • Stable living situation: Prefers long-term leases over frequent moves.
  • Punctual with renewals: Gives advance notice for lease renewals or terminations.
  • Predictable lifestyle: Avoids activities or high-risk behaviors that could cause disruptions.

What criteria should I use to find good tenants?

How to find good tenants: tips and strategies

To find the perfect tenants, you need a clear strategy for marketing your property and conducting the application process. Here’s how to attract tenants for rental property units:

1. Create an appealing rental listing

Your rental property advertisement is your first chance to make a great impression and attract high-quality tenants. To ensure your listing stands out, consider including the following details:

  • Descriptive property features: Highlight key details like the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and any unique features such as an updated kitchen, hardwood floors, or a private patio.
  • Neighborhood highlights: Mention nearby amenities like schools, parks, restaurants, public transportation, and shopping centers (53% of renters value proximity to local amenities).
  • Energy efficiency and modern amenities: Mention energy-efficient appliances, smart home features, or included utilities to appeal to tech-savvy or eco-conscious renters (82% of renters want at least one smart home device).
  • Clear rent and lease terms: Include monthly rent, security deposit, lease length, and any additional costs, such as pet fees or parking charges.
  • Professional photos: Invest in high-quality images that showcase the property in its best light. Well-lit, clutter-free photos can significantly boost interest (listings with professional photography lease 11% faster and for 10% more).

What features attract high-quality tenants?

A recent Zillow study identified the listing features that are most likely to attract interest from potential renters. These highly desirable features are:

  • Off-street parking: Reserved parking spaces or garages are highly valued, especially in urban areas where parking is limited.
  • In-unit laundry: Having washer and dryer units in the apartment is a major convenience for many renters.
  • Pet-friendly spaces: Designated pet areas with turf or fenced yards can attract renters with pets.
  • Air filtration: Popularized during the pandemic and increasingly important for areas impacted by wildfire smoke.
  • Co-working spaces: These shared office spaces can attract remote workers and entrepreneurs.

Tip: Highlight features in your rental listing for your ideal tenant. For young families, showcase a big backyard, good-sized bedrooms, storage space, and local schools. If you’re renting to a retired couple, suggest other uses for the second bedroom (e.g., a sewing room), mention no stairs, and note nearby shops and restaurants.

2. Advertise in the right places

Finding the best place to advertise rental property vacancies is critical to reaching the right audience and securing quality tenants. Leveraging online platforms and local advertising channels ensures your property is visible to renters who fit your criteria.

  • Facebook Marketplace: Connects you directly with potential renters in your local area.
  • Craigslist: Inexpensive option for property listings with basic details.
  • Apartments.com: Ideal for multi-unit properties or apartments.
  • Rentals.com: For advertising rentals with 1-4 units, such as single-family homes and condos.
  • Zillow: Syndicates listings across multiple sites, including online applications. 

Tip: Don’t forget about local community boards. Post flyers on bulletin boards in cafes, libraries, and community centers. Include a tear-off section with your contact information for easy follow-up.

3. Price rent competitively

Setting the right price is key to attracting tenants. Overpriced units may sit vacant, while underpriced units could result in missed revenue opportunities. Striking the perfect balance between affordability and profitability ensures that your property appeals to renters while maximizing your return on investment.

Here’s how to set the right price:

  • Compare market rates: Look at similar rental properties in your area to get a sense of the going rate. Consider factors like square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and unique features like outdoor spaces or updated kitchens.
  • Evaluate your costs: Consider your expenses, such as mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and property management fees. Make sure your rental income covers these costs while leaving room for profit.
  • Make seasonal adjustments: Demand for rentals can fluctuate throughout the year. For example, summer is often a busy moving season, which might allow you to charge slightly higher rent, while winter may require more competitive pricing to fill vacancies.
  • Use a rent calculator: Wondering how much should I charge for rent? Tools like Baselane’s rent calculator can help you estimate the ideal rent based on your property’s location, size, and amenities. It factors in market trends and nearby comparables to ensure your rent is competitive.

Tip: If your rent is on the high end of the market or there’s strong competition, consider offering rent concessions to attract tenants without lowering the price. These can include a free month’s rent, included utilities, or access to shared spaces such as a gym or pool.

4. Prepare the property

People need to be able to imagine themselves living in your rental unit before they apply. Unfortunately, most people’s imaginations tend to accentuate the bad rather than see potential. Even something as simple as a smelly garbage can in the kitchen can be enough to sour a would-be renter.

A well-maintained property not only attracts quality tenants but also sets the tone for a positive landlord-tenant relationship. Before showing the unit:

  • Deep clean all areas: Kitchens, bathrooms, carpets, floors, and windows should be thoroughly cleaned and refreshed. Pay special attention to removing any stains or odors.
  • Address maintenance issues: Make sure all plumbing, electrical, appliances, and HVAC systems are working properly, and consider replacing outdated items with energy-efficient models.
  • Stage the property to highlight potential: Declutter the space, use neutral decor, maximize natural light, and add welcoming touches like fresh flowers or a scented candle.
  • Enhance curb appeal: Landscape the yard, clean and paint the entrance door, and add outdoor lighting to make the property feel safe and inviting.
  • Showcase unique features: Highlight unique features like a balcony or fireplace, and ensure they are clean and well-presented.

Investing time and effort into property preparation not only improves your chances of attracting great tenants but also establishes a standard for the care and upkeep of your rental. By showing that you’re a responsible landlord, you’ll likely attract tenants who are equally responsible.

Tip: During tours, take the time to answer questions and explain lease terms. Set expectations and review any specific rules (like quiet hours or non-smoking policies) before accepting a rental application to avoid any misunderstandings or issues down the road.

5. Screen potential tenants

Screening is essential to ensure you’re selecting the best tenants. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Use a comprehensive rental application form

A rental application form should collect:

  • Personal details (name, contact information, etc.)
  • Employment and income information
  • Rental history and references

2. Conduct background and credit checks

  • Credit history: What do landlords look for in a credit check? A minimum credit score of 650, on-time payments, and a debt-to-income ratio below 35%.
  • Criminal history: Check for felonies, misdemeanors, or pending charges.
  • Eviction history: Look for a pattern of evictions to avoid renting to bad tenants.

3. Verify employment and income

Ask for:

  • Pay stubs or bank statements
  • Employer references

4. Contact references

Speak with previous landlords to confirm the tenant’s:

  • Payment history
  • Property maintenance habits
  • Behavior as a renter

Tip: Don’t rely on gut instincts and self-reported income. In the last year, 80% of landlords have reported fraudulent applications. The best tenant screening services offer income and employment verification to help avoid fraud.

With Baselane tenant screening, you’ll instantly receive comprehensive reports, including rental history, bank-verified income and employment, advanced ID checks, a full Equifax credit report, and the largest database of eviction and criminal history.

Tenant Screening That Actually Works

Comprehensive reports you can trust, delivered in minutes.

Red flags to watch for in prospective tenants

Identifying reliable tenants isn’t just about recognizing good qualities—it’s equally important to spot potential red flags during the application and screening process. Here are key warning signs to watch out for:

  • Missing or incomplete applications: Applicants who leave blanks in critical fields, like employment history or references, may be hiding something.
  • Unverified income: Failure to provide pay stubs, bank statements, or employer references makes income claims questionable.
  • False information: Providing false income information, fake references, or incorrect rental histories shows they’re likely not a reliable tenant.
  • Low credit score: A credit score below 600 could suggest financial instability or a pattern of late payments.
  • High debt-to-income ratio: Excessive debt relative to income may affect the applicant’s ability to pay rent on time.
  • Multiple evictions: A pattern of evictions indicates chronic issues with paying rent or following lease terms.
  • Recent eviction: Even a single eviction within the past 1–2 years should raise questions about the applicant’s reliability.
  • Late rent payments: Consistent late or partial payments in their rental history are cause for concern.
  • Property damage: Reports of negligence or intentional property damage from previous landlords suggest a lack of care and responsibility.
  • Unstable employment: Short stints at multiple jobs can indicate financial instability.
  • Recent charges: An ongoing legal case or recent criminal activity may indicate unresolved issues.
  • Demanding negotiations: Applicants who try to renegotiate every term of the lease might not respect your property rules in the long run.
  • Frequent moves: Applicants who’ve moved every 6–12 months without a valid reason may not provide long-term stability.

Tip: If you decide to deny a tenant, ensure your reasons are clear, documented, and non-discriminatory, such as insufficient income or poor credit. Keep records of applications and your decision-making process to protect yourself legally. If you’re unsure whether or not you have a valid reason to deny an applicant, consult a legal professional.

High-quality tenant checklist

Finding and securing quality tenants requires a lot of moving parts and multiple steps. Use this landlord checklist for new tenants to make sure you don’t miss anything:

Pre-screening

  • Clearly define your criteria (income, credit score, etc.)
  • Create a detailed rental listing with high-quality photos
  • Advertise on trusted listing platforms like Zillow or Facebook Marketplace
  • Highlight features for your ideal tenant, like co-working spaces or local schools

Application process

  • Request proof of income and employment
  • Conduct background and credit checks
  • Verify rental history through landlord references
  • Fix, stage, and clean the property before showings

Preparing the lease agreement

  • Include all terms and details for paying rent, due dates, and late fees
  • Clearly outline policies for pets, smoking, and maintenance
  • Add a clause about security deposits and their return conditions

Move-in preparation

  • Schedule a walkthrough inspection with the tenant
  • Provide keys and access codes
  • Share a welcome packet with contact information and property rules
  • Set up a system to collect rent online from tenants

Post move-in

  • Conduct regular property inspections
  • Address maintenance requests promptly
  • Build a positive relationship through open communication

After a reliable tenant moves in, do your best to keep them happy. Conduct regular property inspections, promptly address maintenance requests, and maintain open lines of communication.

Find great tenants and manage your rentals — all in one place

Finding reliable tenants is about more than just filling vacancies; it’s about creating long-term success for your rental business. With Baselane, you can streamline the entire rental process—screen tenants, sign leases, and collect rent, all online. Plus, with built-in banking and accounting, you’ll have everything you need to find high-quality tenants, manage your rentals, and maximize returns. Get started for free today!

FAQs

To attract the best tenants, you should:

  • Decide on criteria for choosing good tenants who will take care of your property and pay rent on time.
  • Advertise your property effectively using high-quality photos and detailed descriptions.
  • Offer competitive rental rates while also considering the value of your property and the rental market.
  • Thoroughly screen all applicants with background checks and credit checks.
  • Deep clean all areas, address maintenance issues, and stage the property for showings.

To generate more interest in your rental property, target the content of your advertisements to your ideal tenant and place ads where they’re most likely to see them. If you’ve done that and are still having difficulty attracting tenants (and the property doesn’t have any major defects), try adding professional photos, highlighting local amenities, or offering rent concessions like rent discounts or waived fees.

Conducting a tenant interview is a crucial step in the screening process. Here are some essential tenant screening questions to ask potential renters:

  • What is your monthly income?
    Verify that their income meets the industry standard of three times the rent.
  • Can you provide proof of income?
    Request pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns to ensure accuracy.
  • Why are you moving?
    Understand their motivation and identify potential red flags, such as unresolved disputes.
  • How long did you live at your current address?
    Assess their stability and history of staying in one place.
  • Can you provide references from previous landlords?
    Positive feedback from former landlords speaks volumes about their reliability.
  • How many people will live in the rental unit?
    Confirm the total number of occupants to ensure compliance with lease terms.
  • Do you have pets?
    Verify whether their pets align with your pet policy.
  • Do you smoke or use tobacco products?
    Check if they adhere to your smoking policy.
  • Are you comfortable signing a lease agreement?
    Ensure they understand the commitment involved in renting your property.
  • What is your preferred move-in date?
    Confirm their timeline aligns with your property’s availability.
  • Do you anticipate any major life changes in the next year?
    This helps identify potential disruptions, such as job relocations or changes in household size.
  • Do you have any questions about the lease terms or property rules?
    Encourage transparency and address any concerns upfront.

The best way to collect rent is with online platforms like Baselane. Tenants can easily pay rent via card or ACH and set up auto-pay. Baselane automates rent reminders and late fees, payment tracking, and deposits directly into your account within 2-5 days.

Start with a late rent notice for unpaid rent or a warning letter for lease violations. Document all interactions and enforce lease terms. For tenants facing financial difficulties, consider offering payment plans. If necessary, pursue eviction as a last resort, ensuring compliance with local laws. Prevent future issues by using Baselane to thoroughly screen tenants and automate rent collection and reminders.

A tenant’s rental history provides insight into their behavior, payment habits, and reliability. Considering the average eviction costs $3,500 to $10,000, checking rental history before signing a lease will save you time and money in the long run.

Learn more in our guide: Why is rental history important for tenant screening?

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