High-quality tenants are hard to come by but are truly the underdog in the rental property industry. High-quality tenants are found through a rigorous tenant screening process and treat the property as if it were their own. Here are some qualities to look for when searching for a high-quality tenant:
Creditworthy
A quality tenant is creditworthy at the time of application. This indicates to the Property Manager or landlord that the applicant is able to pay their rent both on time and regularly.
Stable
We understand that renting may not be every tenant’s long-term goal. However, for the time being, stability is important during the application and selection process and is exemplified through a detailed application. Stability includes:
- Long-term intentions – intentions to sign a one-year lease rather than month-to-month
- Having a stable income – a reliable source to prove the applicant is creditworthy and will be able to afford the monthly rent
Cleaning and Maintenance
A premium quality tenant ensures that the property, both interior and exterior, is cleaned and maintained regularly. Cleaning and maintenance include:
- Shovelling the sidewalks, driveway, and paths in the winter
- Maintaining the property’s landscaping by mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, raking leaves, getting rid of garbage, etc.
- Cleaning the gutters and window wells regularly to prevent moisture from seeping into the property
- Getting rid of the lint pile-up in the dryer filter
- Replacing the air filters in the property regularly
- Washing linens, towels, and clothes regularly to prevent an atmosphere that attracts critters
- Regularly cleaning the bathroom by scrubbing the toilet, cleaning the shower, sink(s), etc. to prevent maintenance and stinky issues in the future
- Upkeeping the property by not having garbage laying around and creating a welcoming and clean environment
Taking a proactive approach to cleaning and maintenance will ensure that the tenant benefits at the time of move-out when getting the security deposit back.
Communicate Maintenance Issues
A high-quality tenant is proactive and communicates maintenance issues ahead of time rather than delaying until the issue is urgent. However, we understand this is not always possible. A proactive tenant is respectable and saves the Landlord money with significant and unexpected costs and saves the Property Manager time and resources by not having to scramble to resolve the issue.
Be proactive rather than reactive!
Honest, Respectful, and Accountable
Having an honest and respectful tenant is such an underrated quality. A high-quality tenant is:
- Respectful of neighbours and polite by keeping noise levels down and respecting their privacy
- Polite and respectful towards other roommates in the property – for example, in an up-down property, the upper tenants respect the noise level and privacy of the lower tenants; and vice versa
- Responsible towards the Property Manager and Landlord by being respectful of one another’s time – i.e., being proactive rather than reactive
- Accommodating of other’s priorities and lifestyles
In the end, we are all human and need to respect one another to work together cohesively.
Drama-Free
Who would have thought there was drama outside of high school? Can you sense the sarcasm in that?
A high-quality tenant isn’t high maintenance – they are respectful and accommodating of other’s time and lifestyles. There is no calling the landlord or Property Manager saying, “Can you clean my dryer filter for me?” or “It snowed. Who’s going to shovel?” Once the lease is signed, these action items are now the tenant’s responsibility (unless there is a condo association that schedules snow shovelling).
Additionally, there is no drama between roommates that will give others a headache. Property Managers and landlords aren’t Chris Harrison mitigating the ‘ladies/men tell all’ on “The most dramatic season of the bachelor/bachelorette yet”. These issues need to be sorted out internally and respectfully between the roommates. Read our blog on topics you should discuss with your roommate before moving in together to minimize future conflict:
High-quality tenants follow lease terms, policies, and legislation. This, in part, has to do with stability and long-term objectives. There is no drama one month into the lease when the tenant phones up the landlord or Property Manager saying, “I actually just signed another lease. You need to let me out of my current lease.” A contract is an obligation that needs to be followed by all parties.
Communication
Adequate and timely communication from a tenant is crucial!!
Tenants – think of the application and showing process as a job interview. You are interviewing the landlord or Property Manager as much as we are getting to know you. Communication works both ways, and we appreciate it when you ask questions! It shows you care and show genuine interest in the property and the people involved behind the scenes.
We understand that life happens, and events come up suddenly. If a tenant needs to pay rent a little later than the first of the month, that is no problem – as long as it is adequately communicated to the landlord or Property Manager ahead of the first of the month.
During the residency, tenants who are proactive, communicate and respond in a timely manner are ideal. This helps prevent reactive maintenance and establishes a healthy-working relationship between the parties involved.
Finally, a tenant who communicates their intentions towards lease-end is commendable. One to two months before the lease ends, reach out to the landlord or Property Manager and communicate if you are (a) planning to renew the lease, or (b) planning to move on. Regardless of the outcome, we respect the decision. If the tenant is planning on moving out, this provides adequate time to market the property and get a new set of tenants in – it minimizes the turnover time and maximizes our investors income.
Conclusion
High-quality tenants are a diamond in the rough, but they make the world of a difference! If you, or someone you know, is looking for a place to rent, check out our available listings here: