The goal of every landlord is to find the perfect tenant to occupy their rental property. As such, it can take a lot of time and due diligence for landlords to find the right fit. However, there are some ways that prospective tenants can stand out against other renters. Today, we’ll go over how to be the perfect tenant and the ten qualities of great renters. Check out the video below to see if you fit under this category.
Contents of This Article:
- What Do Landlords Look For in Tenants?
- 10 Qualities That Make You the Perfect Tenant
- Find the Perfect Property Manager With BMG
What Do Landlords Look For in Tenants?
Most landlords don’t allow just anyone to live in their rental properties. Usually, there are requirements and expectations that Baltimore property management and landlords look for before renting to someone. These factors can help determine whether a tenant is likely responsible, reliable, and a good fit for the property. Here are some of the things landlords typically look for in tenants.
- Solid Rental History- Landlords want to ensure you’ll take proper care of the property and pay rent on time. So, they may contact previous landlords to inquire about your rental history.
- Financial Stability- Landlords want to ensure you can pay rent on time and in full. So, they often look for tenants with steady employment and a steady source of income.
- Good Credit History- A positive credit history indicates responsible financial behavior. Landlords may check credit reports to assess a tenant’s creditworthiness and determine if they have a history of paying bills on time.
- References- Personal and professional references can provide insights into a tenant’s character, responsibility, and reliability. So, when you apply for rental housing, landlords may ask for references from employers, previous landlords, or personal contacts.
- Steady Employment- Having a stable job or source of income is crucial when living in a rental home. After all, landlords want to be reasonably certain that tenants can continue to meet their financial obligations.
- Background Check- Landlords often conduct background checks to ensure that prospective tenants have no criminal history that could pose a risk to the property or other tenants.
10 Qualities That Make You a Perfect Tenant
Some may think that the perfect tenant doesn’t exist. However, while you may not always be perfect, there are steps you can take to become the ideal tenant that every landlord will love.
- Paying Rent On Time
- Financial Responsibility
- Keeping the Rental Clean
- Compliance With Lease Terms
- Having Renters Insurance
- Being a Respectful Neighbor
- Keeping Up With Maintenance
- Effective Communication
- Renewing Your Lease
- Knowledge of Tenant Rights
Paying Rent On Time
The first step in becoming the perfect tenant is paying rent on time. Paying rent on time and in full each month shows that you’re financially responsible and reliable. So, if you want to be a tenant your landlord trusts and can rely on, consider setting up reminders or automatic payments to ensure your rent is never late. Additionally, try to be prepared for potential financial disruptions so you always have enough to cover your rent payment.
Financial Responsibility
Being financially responsible means managing your finances well to cover your monthly rent and other living expenses. For instance, if you’re responsible for utilities, it’s important that you also budget for those. Additionally, you likely have other monthly expenses, like food, transportation, entertainment, and more. So, budget wisely, prioritize your bills, and have a financial cushion for unexpected expenses to ensure you can consistently meet your financial obligations.
Keeping the Rental Clean
Another characteristic that makes the perfect tenant is maintaining a clean living space. After all, a clean space benefits you and preserves the property’s condition. So, make sure to regularly clean and tidy up your rental unit, report any pest issues immediately, and dispose of trash responsibly.
Compliance With Lease Terms
It’s important to carefully read and understand your lease agreement and abide by all its terms and conditions. After all, when you sign a contract with your landlord, you’re legally obligated to follow it. This includes respecting rules regarding pets, subletting, and any restrictions on altering the property.
Having Renters Insurance
Renters insurance protects your personal belongings in case of unexpected events like fire, theft, or accidents. So, another step to becoming the perfect tenant is getting renters insurance. Not only does it help you, but some landlords require it for their rental properties. It’s an essential safeguard and can also provide liability coverage if someone is injured in your rental unit.
Being a Respectful Neighbor
Another sign that you’re the perfect tenant is if you’re a good neighbor. It’s important to maintain a peaceful and respectful living environment by being considerate of those who live around you. After all, you don’t want your neighbors to file complaints about your noise levels or lack of respect. So, keep noise levels down, especially during quiet hours, and respect their privacy and boundaries.
Keeping Up With Maintenance
Just as it’s important to keep your rental property clean, it’s also crucial to keep up with regular maintenance. For instance, you’ll want to promptly report any maintenance issues or repairs to your landlord or property management. After all, proactive maintenance helps prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.
Effective Communication
Another characteristic of the perfect tenant is effective communication. Clear and open communication with your landlord or property manager is crucial for maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship. So, report concerns, ask questions, and seek permission for any changes or improvements you wish to make to the property.
Renewing Your Lease
If you plan to stay in a rental home for another term, communicate your intentions to renew the lease well in advance. Most landlords encourage a longer lease term, so if it works best for both of you, work out a mutually beneficial lease. This helps landlords plan and ensures you can continue to stay at the rental property without interruption.
Knowledge of Tenant Rights
Awareness of tenant rights in Baltimore is essential for protecting yourself in the landlord-tenant relationship. Staying informed helps you stay aware of your legal obligations throughout your tenancy and helps you understand your rights in case something goes wrong. So, familiarize yourself with local housing laws, regulations, and your lease agreement to uphold your rights.
Find the Perfect Property Manager With BMG
If you consider yourself the perfect tenant, you may want to find a mutually beneficial renting solution by finding a perfect landlord or property manager.
While nobody is actually perfect, it’s important to find professional management that listens to your concerns and responds to them promptly.
Luckily, Bay Property Management Group is here to help you find your ideal renting situation. We offer services throughout Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC. So, if you’re looking for a rental in any of these areas, we can help you find one that fits your needs. Then, we’ll be there throughout your tenancy to handle maintenance requests, payment collection, inspections, and more. So, check out some of our current listings today to find your next rental home.
Need More Advice? contact us today!
On the other hand, if you’re a rental property owner looking for a team of professionals to handle the day-to-day tasks of rental management, we’ve got you covered. Contact BMG today to learn more about our comprehensive rental property management services.
