When you own rental property, you know that everything hinges on finding the right tenants. Good tenants care for your properties as if they were their own, pay rent on time, and are good neighbors to others in the community. They adhere to the terms of the lease and alert you to any property maintenance issues right away. Finding the people who fit these guidelines is not easy, and you may be tempted to rush the process when you have a property sitting empty. Fortunately, that is where a property management company comes into the picture. New Concept Property Management, a Tucson property management company, can offer several services to help you find and retain the right tenants for your properties. Should you hire a property management company to help you with tenant screening? Here are some of the ways they can help.

Creating a Tenant Profile

Who exactly is your ideal tenant? Landlords have different priorities for different properties, and a property management company can help you develop a profile of the kind of tenant you want to target for every property you wish to rent. For example, in some properties, you may be more interested in having tenants without pets who earn three times the rent each month, even if they have a lower credit score. For other properties, you may decide that certain pets are fine, but that any potential tenant has to have a high credit score. Creating this profile will help you refine your property marketing efforts and will assist in narrowing down applicants for tenancy.

Managing the Application Process

Most landlords start screening tenants by having them complete an application. However, providing and collecting those applications can be a lengthy and time-consuming process—and that is before the steps required to verify information even begins. A Tucson property management company can handle this entire process on your behalf. This includes calling the references of potential tenants, pulling their credit and rental histories, verifying their employment, and scoring each application according to your criteria. In the end, all you have to do is choose the tenant you want from the shortlist created by the property management company—after all of the unqualified tenants have been removed from consideration.

Keeping Tenant Screenings Legal

Landlord and tenant laws change frequently. In addition to federal guidelines, each state has its own set of rules that landlords must follow. It’s very easy for landlords to inadvertently violate the law when screening tenants. For example, stating that college students or families with kids can’t live in a specific property may be a legal violation that could lead to costly fines. It is difficult for landlords to keep up with changes to these laws and to ensure that they are honoring them appropriately. However, property managers know exactly what the requirements are and how to adhere to them. With their help, you can avoid inadvertent violations and the associated fines.

Managing the Deposit and Move-In Process

After a tenant is selected for a property, they aren’t truly official until a few other steps happen. These include paying the required deposit and upfront rent, and signing the lease. A property management company can collect the payments and handle the lease with the tenant on your behalf. They can also manage move-in day for you. They’ll hand over the keys to the tenant and assist with the tenant walk-through report. This assistance frees up time for you and helps to create and maintain a barrier between you and the tenant. This helps to ensure that you won’t have to field questions or requests that should be sent to your property manager.

Finding the Right Tucson Property Management Company

Make the most of your rental properties by letting New Concept Property Management handle the daily operations for you. From tenant screening to maintenance, we make it possible for your properties to work for you while you spend your time focused on finding new investments and living your life. We’re property managers who serve Tucson and the surrounding area, with years of experience in the market. Learn more about our Tucson property management services by calling (520) 551-7247.

The post Find the Best Tenants with a Tucson Property Management Company appeared first on New Concept Property Management.

Growing Community

The population is growing in Vail, and a lot of new residents are looking for rental homes. In recent years, the addition of a new shopping center has made Vail an even more attractive place to live—for young families and retirees alike. New restaurants and businesses are also making their way to Vail, making it an increasingly appealing place for people to move to. In 2018, voters approved a bond that will allow the Vail School District—one of the best school districts in the state—to expand its infrastructure to accommodate the growing community. All of these changes are signs of population growth in the area. That growth makes Vail an ideal place to invest in rental properties. The demand for affordable rental homes is growing along with the population, and now is the time for prospective landlords to jump into the Vail rental market.

Abundant Availability

With all of the growth in Vail comes a growth in the number of available homes for sale. In Vail, you’ll find many homes between 5 and 10 years old for sale in well-established neighborhoods. If you’re looking for something newer, you’ll be happy to learn that newly built homes are in abundant supply as well. In the last year, builder interest has been renewed in the area. As a result, many new communities are being established with beautiful, high-quality homes. Opting for a new construction makes it easy to add upgrades like an expanded garage, granite countertops, and swimming pool installation. Whether you are looking for a new build or an older home for your Vail rental investment, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Reliable Property Management

One of the greatest challenges of being a landlord is keeping your investment properties in good order. The good news is that you won’t have to worry about that in Vail. New Concept Property Management is proud to offer property management services for Vail rental properties. Whether you have a single rental home or several scattered throughout the area, our team will be happy to assist you. We will help you every step of the way. When you first put your rental home on the market, we can help you advertise it to attract renters. Then, we can screen your rental applicants for you, helping you select the perfect tenants for your Vail rental. After that, we’ll make sure everything runs smoothly, so you can relax while your rental property generates income for you.

Working with New Concept

Once you’ve found the right rental home investment, it’s time to turn to the property management company Vail landlords trust: New Concept Property Management. We provide a full suite of Tucson property management services. We can collect your tenants’ monthly rent, perform property inspections, and arrange for maintenance services. Our team can even handle eviction proceedings if necessary. In addition to Vail, we’re proud to serve the entire greater Tucson area, including Marana, Oro Valley, and Green Valley. For more information, give us a call at (520) 551-7247.

The post Top Reasons to Invest in a Vail Rental Property appeared first on New Concept Property Management.

Unbeatable Customer Service

Landlords in Tucson and beyond rely on our property management company because of our clients-first approach to customer service. Our friendly team of professionals is easy to get in touch with. We will always keep you fully informed of everything happening with your property. We’ll also work with you to develop and help you reach your property goals in a way that maximizes your income while minimizing hassle. Plus, landlords aren’t the only ones who enjoy working with New Concept Property Management. Tenants often prefer to rent properties that are professionally managed. We provide a single point of contact via our easy-to-use online tenant portal.

Professional Connections

Landlords often dread hearing the news of a leaky roof or a broken water heater. This is not only because of the expense of the repair; it’s also due to the hassle of finding the right contractor who can get the job done at an appropriate price point. Here at New Concept Property Management, we’ve built a professional network of trusted, licensed vendors. You can rely on these professionals to fix your property in a timely manner. You’ll never again have to worry about checking credentials and licenses or keeping tabs on the progress of a repair project.

Stress-Free Rent Collection

Rent collection is easily one of the least enjoyable aspects of being a landlord. It can be tough to know exactly what you should do when a tenant is late or stops paying altogether. And even when tenants do pay on time, you’ll still have to wait for the checks to arrive and take them to the bank. With New Concept Property Management, you can get paid without the hassle. Our tenant portal enables tenants to pay electronically. This eliminates the wait for paper checks. Furthermore, we provide monthly financial reports, letting you effortlessly analyze the profitability of your properties. If a tenant is ever late with the rent, we’ll handle the follow-up for you.

Legally Compliant Evictions

No landlord wants to evict a tenant. However, it’s sometimes necessary. When you partner with New Concept Property Management, you can take a hands-off approach to evictions. Let us handle the work for you. We’ll ensure your eviction proceedings are 100% compliant with current law, and we’ll prepare the notice of eviction on your behalf. Once the problematic tenant is gone, we’ll change the locks right away, and then get the property ready to put back on the market.

Reliable Property Maintenance and Inspections

Tenants have a reasonable expectation of privacy, but landlords need to know that their property is remaining in good condition. New Concept Property Management acts as a professional liaison between landlords and their tenants. We’ll provide proper notice prior to each inspection and give you a detailed report when the inspection is finished. Our regularly scheduled inspections can help you save money in the long run, as you’ll be able to get potential problems fixed before they turn into expensive repairs.

New Concept Property Management is your one-stop shop for property maintenance and management. But don’t take our word for it. Discover for yourself why we’re the property management company Tucson relies on. Get in touch with our office at (520) 551-7247 and find out for yourself why our clients give us such rave reviews.

The post Why New Concept Is the Property Management Company Tucson Relies On appeared first on New Concept Property Management.

If you own homes in Vail, AZ, or the surrounding areas, renting them is a great way to boost your monthly income. At the same time, however, most people don’t want to spend months trying to find renters. So, how can you speed up the process? When you’re looking to rent a home, working with a Vail property management company can be immensely helpful. Here are some useful tips for finding renters for your homes.

1. Take eye-catching photos of your property.

The more appealing your home looks, the more likely you’ll be to find interested renters. That’s why it’s important to put some time into taking high-quality photos of your home. The photos should look professional—not amateurish. In fact, you may even want to hire an experienced photographer to ensure that the photos turn out well.

2. Make sure your home is up to date.

Before you try to rent a home, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at it. Do the appliances look outdated? Does the paint look faded? Are the air conditioning and heating system reliable? Replacing old appliances, adding a fresh coat of paint, and calling for routine maintenance are all smart moves to make.

3. Make your property listing as detailed as possible.

When you’re writing a listing of your home, remember to put in as many pertinent details as possible, including anything that sets your property apart from the rest. How big are the rooms? Which major appliances are included? What kind of floors does your home have? Are pets permitted? You may want to ask for a property management professional’s feedback before posting the listing.

4. Work with a Vail property management company.

A property management company can not only manage your home for you; they can also help you rent it. Specifically, they can help you figure out a fair rental price and write up a lease. They can even help you find renters who will be responsible and timely. Instead of worrying about these details on your own, why not reach out to an experienced pro for help?

Need a property management company you can always count on? If so, New Concept Property Management is here to help. We offer professional property management services to customers in Southern Arizona, including Vail, Marana, Sahuarita, and Oro Valley. When you’re ready to learn more about our Vail property management services, call (520) 551-7247.

The post 4 Tips for Getting Your Property Rented Quickly appeared first on New Concept Property Management.

1. A property manager will keep your homes maintained.

Taking care of a rental home can be a full time job. Even if a rental home is unoccupied, it still needs regular maintenance. That’s where a Vail property management company can step in. A property manager can make sure that your rental homes stay clean, the landscaping is well-kept, and there are no plumbing or electrical problems. If you want to keep your rental in great condition, a property manager is a must.

2. A property manager will handle tenants for you.

One of the most important things a property manager does is work with tenants. A property manager can handle tasks such as answering tenants’ questions, responding to maintenance requests, and collecting monthly rent. If someone is late on their rent, your property manager can follow up on it. Instead of spending your time dealing with tenants on your own, free up your time by hiring a property manager.

3. A property manager can take care of paperwork.

There’s a lot of paperwork involved in running a rental home—and there are also a lot of rules to follow. Is your home up to code? Are you following local zoning ordinances? From insurance requirements to HOA rules, a property manager can stay on top of it all. Rather than agonizing over the paperwork yourself, let an experienced professional handle it.

4. A property manager can help you find tenants.

What if you need a new tenant for one of your rentals? That’s another area where a property manager can be useful. If you need to evict a tenant, your property manager can do it for you. They can then help you advertise your rental home to get it as much exposure as possible. They will even screen new potential tenants for you.

5. A property manager can give you peace of mind.

Owning a rental home is a lot of work. After all, from finding tenants to collecting rent, there are plenty of tasks on your plate. A property manager will take away the stress of real estate ownership by handling these responsibilities for you.

Looking for a property management company in Vail? When you need someone to take care of your rental homes, it’s time to call New Concept Property Management. We’ll be happy to provide you with a wide range of property management services in Vail and surrounding areas. To learn more, call us today at (520) 551-7247.

The post 5 Reasons to Hire a Vail Property Management Company appeared first on New Concept Property Management.

The Nature

Tucson’s warm and dry weather is ideal for year-round outdoor festivities, and when you get a sense of Tucson’s vast nature, you’ll want to take advantage of that climate. The Tucson basin is surrounded by mountains, with Wasson Peak, the Santa Rita Mountains, the Rincon Mountains, and the Santa Catalina Mountains bordering the region on all sides.

The area is full of desert hiking trails, including Sabino Canyon and Tanque Verde Falls. The waterfall makes a perfect location for a quick dip and an outdoor lunch. For a leisurely day in nature, there’s always the botanical gardens. There are also numerous horseback riding locations scattered around the region.

Moving into a Tucson rental is an excellent way to get a break from a fast-paced city life. It’s perfect for people who want to get out and explore more. Who needs to go to the gym when there are so many wonderful places to get exercise and take in the sights?

If you’re seeking a leisurely way to enjoy nature, it just so happens that Tucson is the perfect place to go bird watching. The city of Tucson alone (and not the state of Arizona as a whole) has well over 300 recorded species of birds. You’ll be able to enjoy bird watching right from the doorstep of your Tucson rental. Watching birds in Tucson is certainly a lot more fascinating than watching flocks of identical pigeons in a city park.

The Food

In recent years, Tucson has become a food lover’s paradise. Tucson is notorious for its authentic Mexican cuisine, being located a mere hour’s drive from the Mexican border. What once started as the perfect place to get chiles rellenos or rajas con queso soon grew to be a full grown culinary epicenter.

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) designates places as Creative Cities of Gastronomy. There are only two of these designated cities in the entire United States. One of which is San Antonio, Texas and the other is Tucson. When judged against the entire world, Tucson’s culinary offerings were impressive enough to receive such a coveted recognition. If that doesn’t make you hungry, nothing will.

Tucson is full to the brim with eclectic bistros serving fresh seasonal dishes, hip New American eateries, artisanal pizza joints, and chic cafes. Tucson natives have a taste (literally) for the finer things in life, and new unique restaurants open their doors all the time. If you’ve ever wanted to present your own culinary offerings, Tucson is the perfect place to get into the restaurant business.

The History

There is so much more history to Tucson than what you’ll find in the city’s many museums. Tucson was founded by Spanish soldiers before Mexico’s independence from Spain. Tucson was once a part of Mexico, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s architecture and culture.

In 1934, the infamous John Dillinger and his accompanying band of criminals were captured in Tucson. In remembrance and celebration of this capture, Tucson holds an annual “Dillinger Days” festival where participants re-enact this historical event.

Tucson also played a prominent role in both World Wars, as well as the civil war. The Arizona Historical society has done a remarkable job in preserving and displaying crucial artifacts pertaining to Tucson’s contributions to the founding of modern day America, as well as its contributions to the world at large. Tucson has worn many important hats – even before its official inception.

Many of Tucson’s original churches, chapels, and mansions have been left untouched. Barrio Historico, the old neighborhood, is what Tucson used to be before the area become modernized. You can stroll through the historic streets, taking in the heavily Spanish influenced colors and textures that comprise Tucson’s soul.

History buffs will love Tucson. It’s not some small town where years have gone by without a peep. Tucson is rich, vibrant, and there’s always something to learn. If you want to live in a place with culture, you’ll undoubtedly adore the foundation upon which Tucson was built.

The Wine

How incredible would it be to live in the Sonoran wine region? Tucson is almost overflowing with wine. The area is an ideal environment for vineyards, and wine production is always bustling. Wine lovers can purchase local boutique wines directly from the wineries, enjoying them as soon as they’re ready. It’s also much less expensive than purchasing them in any other part of the country, so your wallet won’t feel ashamed of your decision to indulge.

If you aren’t much of a wine drinker, you’ll find just as many breweries. Tucson loves its craft beer, and many varieties are inspired by the flavors of the desert. You’ll find beers brewed with cucumber and cactus, as well as more traditional blends. Many of the breweries also serve hip food, so you’ll have something yummy to soak up the beer as you continue to taste their offerings.

The Arts

Tucson loves performance art. There are large theaters that host traveling performances of major plays, as well as small community theaters where actors and enthusiasts can get together to share a memorable evening. There are also improv theaters for die hard comedy fans – watch the locals give it their best shot, or develop the bravery to take on the crowd.

The Rialto Theatre, a large indoor non-profit venue, often hosts international acts. You’ll see live music as well as comedy shows, poetry readings, and themed events there. They host anything that requires a stage, so it doesn’t matter what your preferred kind of art may be. There are also several exceptional performing arts venues in Tucson for people who passionately love moving dramas.

College Life

You don’t necessarily need to be a student in order to appreciate college sports. If you love to watch upcoming football talent, you’re going to enjoy the Arizona Wildcats. If you’re more of a basketball person, the University of Arizona’s basketball team made their way to the NCAA Tournament every consecutive year for over two decades. They’re formidable ballplayers.

If the academic aspects of college appeal most to you, the University’s campus encompasses theater, dance, poetry, and various museums. You’ll learn a thing or two, even if you’re only a visitor.

The Local Businesses

Tucson has a strong entrepreneurial spirit. The city makes it easy for anyone and everyone to live out their dreams by starting their very own business. Their policies are women and minority friendly, making the community one of the most accepting areas to anyone who wants to work hard and achieve success. Since corporate taxes and income taxes are low, small businesses are able to thrive in Tucson.

By shopping in Tucson, you’re keeping that spirit alive. You’ll be able to try new products and services created by everyday innovators, rather than settling for the next best thing that a major chain can produce. If you’ve been looking for a place to call home and set up your own shop front, Tucson is one of the best places to do it.

The Perfect Climate

While summers do get hot in the desert, it isn’t an uncomfortable heat. Tucson has relatively little humidity, which is what makes summers to difficult in tropical climates. Tucson sees a wealth of rain in the summer, and that rain keeps the plants healthy while the sun is hot. The landscape remains beautiful, even then the temperatures make a dry rise into the high 90’s and lower 100’s.

It also happens that Tucson is relatively save from most natural disasters and destructive weather patterns. There is no hurricane season, and you’re never going to experience a blizzard. Tucson is rarely affected significantly by earthquakes, as no fault lines run directly through the city. The conditions aren’t right for tornados, and no matter how much it rains, it seldom floods. You’re going to save a fortune on insurance and home repairs by moving to Tucson if you currently experience extreme weather.

Biking, Running And Mountain Climbing

Tucson hosts a lot of running events, including charity marathons. If you want to get yourself into shape while also helping others in the community, raise some money with your cardio. Tucson also happens to be rated as one of the best places in the world for bicycling. The city was designed with bicycles in mind, and virtually every street was build to accommodate bicyclists.

Since Tucson is surrounded by mountains, rock climbers will have plenty of challenging peaks to keep them busy for years to come. You’ll never run out of mountains and new ways to climb them. Just get your gear together and head out. There’s always an adventure that ends in a mountaintop.

If you’re more laid back in terms of athletic activities, Tucson is also very friendly to tennis players and golfers. The city boasts many courses and courts for people who enjoy a little bit of gamesmanship with their exercise.

Living in a Tucson Rental Is Affordable

So many parts of the United States have exorbitantly high costs of living. It seems that the more developed an area is, the more expensive everything from the rent to a cup of coffee will be. While Tucson has the bold spirit of a big city, it’s laid back enough to mimic a small town. It’s not going to cost you a fortune to have a great dinner and a night out in Tucson.

Tucson’s real estate market is very healthy. It’s relatively easy to find a great Tucson rental home at an affordable price if you’d rather be an owner than a renter. Tucson is one of few places in the country where a decent family sized home is easy to snag for under $200,000. With such an ideal market for buyers, it’s a wonder that anyone would want to rent an apartment.

The Farmer’s Markets

Tucson is such a tight-knit community. The people are friendly, accepting, and caring. One of the best places to observe their warm attitudes and make a few friends is at the farmers markets. There’s virtually always a farmers market open in Tucson. The warm weather and rainy summers are perfect for cultivating crops, and that’s exactly what the locals do.

You can grow some of your own goods to sell, or you can come to buy the fruits and vegetables grown by your neighbors. You’ll be eating healthy and making connections. There’s nothing better than the blissful combination of great food and great friends, located close to your Tucson rental.

Tucson Is Amazing

It’s almost impossible to condense the beauty of Tucson into a bite-sized portion for someone who hasn’t been lucky enough to have firsthand experience with the area. The locals love Tucson, and you will too. Stop in for a visit, and you’ll find yourself wanting to stay. Give Tucson a shot – it won’t let you down.

When you’re ready to find the perfect Tucson rental, check out the rental properties we manage at New Concept Property Management. In addition to Tucson rental properties, we also offer management services for Vail, Oro Valley, and Marana rentals.

The post Top 12 Reasons To Live In a Tucson Rental Home appeared first on New Concept Property Management.

Since some tenants might feel like inspections are a little bit invasive, you need to keep an excellent relationship and an open line of communication with your tenant. When inspection time rolls around, you need them to understand that you’re there to help keep their rental home in excellent condition.

What Is An Inspection?

An inspection is a process you perform for your documentation. It helps you track the maintenance and condition of your Tucson rental property. This allows you to address small concerns before they become expensive repairs. The property is viewed inside and out with the tenant, who can report any issues they’ve been aware of and explain how and when they occurred.

Tenants also benefit from the inspection process. It allows them to avoid liability for any issues that may have been overlooked or unreported by the previous tenant. These may include a problematic toilet in a bathroom they never used or leaks that may have sprung up while the property was vacant. You’ll be able to fix these issues and prepare the property for the tenant, or fix them while the tenant is living there.

Why Do I Need to Perform One?

There are a number of reasons why home inspections are important. The two most important are the way the security deposit is handled and the state of repair of the property. If issues arise that weren’t present during your inspections, you’ll be able to hold the tenant liable if they were the cause of the damage.

They can also help you spot damage to the property before it becomes expensive to repair. Things like mold can take over quickly. You’ll want to catch that issue while it’s new. Otherwise, it can cause extensive damage that may cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair. Inspections protect both you and the tenant when damage is found.

How Often Should I Inspect My Rental?

The two most important times to conduct thorough inspections to your rental are when a tenant is moving in, and when a tenant is moving out. Entry reports can be compared to exit reports. This allows you to assess any unreported damage from the duration of the tenant’s stay.

Photograph and document damage during this time, having the tenant sign off on the report. This protects your tenant when they move it by showing that you were aware of the damage that was present when they moved in, that you intend to fix it, and that they won’t be held liable for it.

Perform inspections for tenants move-outs as late as possible. Moving is likely to cause damage to the home via dents in the walls and floors when people are moving heavy objects out. Ideally, you’ll want to wait until most (or all) of the tenant’s belongings have been removed from the home for a thorough exit inspection.

You’ll also want to check on the rental periodically throughout the year. As a landlord, many maintenance issues become your responsibility. Checking on your rentals seasonally or biannually will allow you to keep track of what you need to fix. It shows your tenant that you care about the property. If your tenant reports any issues with the home, you’ll want to schedule an inspection as soon as possible. This will allow you to promptly address their concerns.

How Do I Handle An Inspection?

You can arrange a loosely scheduled routine inspection or schedule an inspection based on something you saw from the outside of the home. This can include junk on the lawn, a lot of cars that don’t belong to the tenants, or anything else that might signify from the street that something unusual is happening in your rental property.

You need to give your tenants notice that you’ll be coming. Different laws in different areas require different amounts of notice, but expect to tell your tenants in case a week in advance. You want your tenants to be present during the inspection. They might want to ask you questions or request that you repair something that falls within your responsibilities.

Let them know why you’re coming by. You don’t want your tenants to feel as though you don’t trust them. Explain that these inspections are routine and that they help you be an attentive landlord. These inspections are just as much for their benefit as they are for yours.

You’ll want to take pictures of damage or concerns, and write down a description of what happens. When you’re doing so, make sure you’re respecting the privacy of your tenants. Don’t photograph them or their stuff. It feels intrusive to have someone taking pictures of your belongings.

In the event that you notice damage or issues with the property, do not become hostile with the tenant. You might be upset about it, particularly if it’s going to cost you a lot of money to remedy the issue. Confronting the tenant can create a negative situation that will lead to a complicated dispute. If the tenant is upset with you because he or she feels you’ve failed to perform your duties, don’t allow the situation to escalate. Just make sure you live up to your promises and responsibilities, and promptly resolve the issue.

What If I Don’t Have Time?

It takes a lot of time to be a successful landlord. There are so many responsibilities that come with maintaining a rental and keeping a positive relationship with a tenant. If you just want to collect some cash from your rentals, you can always hire a property management company. That’s where we come in. You can be an absent landlord, and New Concept Property Management can do all of the groundwork for you. Get in touch with us today at (520) 551-7247 to learn more.

The post How To Inspect Your Rental Property In Tucson appeared first on New Concept Property Management.

Creating The Perfect Rental Application

You can create a rental application from a free template or with the help of a professional. No matter how you create it, you want to be sure that it contains the right questions. You’ll need enough information to properly screen the applicant.

You need to declare within the application that you intend to perform a tenant screening that involves their financial and employment history, as well as an inquiry into their criminal record. State that by signing, the applicant consents. You’re allowed to retrieve this information – you just need consent in the form of the signed application.

Within the application, ask questions about employment history, their current income, what their expenses are, and who they’ve rented from previously. Ask for references, including those of current and former employers and landlords.

It also helps to know ahead of time how many people will be living in the rental, and how many pets they intend to bring with them.

Conducting A Background Check

A background check in Tucson can be run with a full name and a social security number. There are different options for background checks that will omit or include specific types of information. The best place to start is to run the most comprehensive background check available. This background check will give you information about criminal records, as well as civil records. You might also be able to find evictions through the check, since they’re a legal process.

If the background check comes back clean, you won’t need to investigate most of those matters any further. Getting the background check over with from the beginning can save you a lot of exploring. You only need to look further if you find something that you want clarification for.

Checking Credit History

Depending on what state you live in, you might be able to pass the costs of the credit check on to the applicant during the tenant screening process. If you can’t or you aren’t sure, you’re going to have to pay for it out of pocket. Credit checks can go back as far as ten years, and they’ll provide you with the applicant’s credit score.

You’ll be able to see if the potential tenant is dealing with a lot of debt. Debt will affect your tenant’s ability to pay their rent – it’s another monthly expense that’s coming out of their paycheck. You’ll also be able to see any missteps in their credit history, but consider them carefully. Just because a tenant had an account go into collections a few years ago doesn’t mean they’re not going to pay their rent on time. Some people go through temporary rough periods – what matters is the changes they make to repair their financial future.

Speaking To The Employer

The potential tenant’s employer can’t tell you much, but you might want to call them anyway. Their employer is not obligated to tell you what the employee’s annual salary is, nor should they. They can confirm whether or not the potential tenant works for them, and the duration of their employment. It might be more useful to request the applicant to provide proof of employment via paystubs. These will ultimately provide more information than the employer will.

Do this for all potential renters listed on the application. They’re all contributing to the household. It might actually create an even more promising picture when you see that everyone living in the home is competent and capable.

Touching Base With Former Landlords

You can’t interrogate a former (or current) landlord about a tenant, but there are a few questions you can ask. You’ll want to know if the tenant is all paid up and generally makes their payments on time. If they’ve caused any damage or major disruptions in a property owned by that landlord, you’ll want to know about it. This is a question you don’t want to skip – it’s the closest thing you have to a crystal ball that will show you the future.

To make sure you aren’t unfairly penalizing the potential tenant, ask them about what you’ve learned. They could have had a bad roommate in the past that they were moving to get away from. If they aren’t directly responsible for damage and the disruption, this is something you’ll want to consider. They could have been dealing with a terrible tenant that they were stuck sharing a rental with.

Making The Final Determinations

If you think you might have a future with this tenant, it’s time to give them a call. Asking a few lifestyle questions can give you the information you need to make a final determination. Will they frequently be leaving the property empty while they travel? Do they think they might want to get a roommate? Do they work odd hours, affecting what times you may be able to stop by? Do they have a large dog they’re going to bring with them, and is that dog well behaved? If you like what you hear, it’s time to get the lease ready.

Confused? Overwhelmed? Need Some Help?

Tenant screening is a complicated process. In fact, every aspect of maintaining a rental is a complicated process. If you’re just looking to get some income from your property, you can always turn the job over to a property management company in Tucson. That just so happens to be exactly what we do. If you need help handling your rentals (especially filling them with great tenants), give us a call. We’re very experienced.

The post Screening Your Potential Tenants Before You Hand Over The Keys appeared first on New Concept Property Management.

Updating your Tucson rental property comes with a whole host of benefits. You may be able to request more for the property if you’ve made major improvements. If you’re looking for renters in a competitive market, some small changes can give you the edge you need to win over potential tenants. Charm the socks off of the people touring your rental with some meaningful upgrades.

1. Make It Shine

Homes aren’t something that most people rent as brand new. They already know that someone else lived in that rental. The appeal of a rental that looks brand new from top to bottom may be too difficult for potential tenants to pass up. The best way to do that is by thoroughly cleaning everything. Make the countertops shine. Polish the faucets. Scrub the grout until it looks new again.

As a part of your cleaning spree, wash the baseboards, crown molding, and door frames. This is important to do, especially if they’re white. They might need a new coat of satin white paint. These areas have a tendency to get dingy with time, and since it’s a gradual process, it’s easy to look right past it.

2. Utilize Lighting

There’s a reason why homes in Tucson sell at a higher volume during the sunnier months – it’s because of the touch that natural light provides. Make the windows sparkle, and keep them open. Try to show the rental in the morning or the early afternoon, when the sun is at its brightest. The natural light reflecting off of the clean surfaces will make the rental appear to be more spacious.

In areas that don’t get a wealth of natural sunlight, make sure the rooms are well lit. Install proper fixtures, and when possible, use daylight replicating bulbs. Dark spaces feel cold, and you want renters to be able to feel the warmth of the space you’d like for them to call home.

3. Pay Special Attention To Windows

Curtains, blinds, and shutters have a seemingly unlimited duration. They’re not necessarily decorative – they’re typically utilitarian objects that exist to serve a specific purpose. These things don’t age well, and it’s important to regularly replace them.

Horizontal blinds often get dusty, yellow, and worn out with time. Old blinds can age a perfectly fine window, leading people to believe that the window itself needs replacement. Replacing solid color curtains with decorative curtains adds an alluring accent. Good and sturdy shutters will make renters feel safe and secure. You can even paint them to match the décor.

4. Make The Yard Inviting

The curb appeal of a Tucson rental property is ultimately what draws people in. Even though we’re not supposed to, we all judge books by their covers. People may not be willing to give your rental a chance if they’re not enthusiastic about the exterior. Lay out a welcome mat, and do some landscaping in the flower beds out front. If you don’t have any, opt for potted plants or hanging plants you can easily affix to the ceiling of the front porch.

If the porch is large enough, place a bench or a swing on it. The rental will feel cozy to potential tenants before they’ve even set foot inside. You’re making a strong first impression that they’ll carry with them to every corner of the home.

5. Replace The Front Door

If the door sticks, is hard to close, or is scuffed on the face or the frame, this isn’t a good sign. A front door is supposed to signify safety. A tenant wouldn’t put their valuables in a broken safe, and they won’t want to move everything they own into a home with a damaged door.

If the door is in great conditions and the locks are new, consider painting it. Add a decorative latch to the inside as an additional layer of security. Installing ornate handles is a plus, but it’s not necessary if the handle that’s currently on the door is newer and in great condition. Your tenants will see the door and immediately realize that the property has been immaculately maintained and updated.

6. Opt For New Paint

Flat white, especially if your tenants are discouraged from painting the walls, can make a home feel more like the waiting room at a doctor’s office. It isn’t particularly inviting – it gives the appearance of a blank canvas where something beautiful can’t be created.

Paint is very inexpensive for the impact that it has. Warmer neutral tones make a space feel more inviting. Tans, creams, beiges, and even trendy taupe shades will match with almost anything.

7. Repair Or Restore Floors

Carpet is very hard to maintain. It retains smells, it stains easily, and it grabs a hold of allergens. Replacing your carpet with hardwood or tile is a better idea. It’s expensive, but it’s easier to keep clean. It will also last much longer than carpet.

If you already have tile or hardwood in your Tucson rental property, be sure to properly maintain it. Cracked tiles need to be replaced, and hardwood needs to be refinished and oiled occasionally. Since these kinds of floors can be thoroughly cleaned, they’ll look new for years to come. Maintenance is easy as long as you regularly attend to it.

8. Replace The Appliances

Replacing the appliances will be costly, but it might also be necessary. Over time, appliances start to develop unique personalities. One stove burner will begin to act in a temperamental manner. The ice maker in the freezer will frequently jam up. The turntable in the microwave constantly comes off the tracks. Your previous tenants probably got used to it, but new tenants shouldn’t need to.

Replacing appliances with energy efficient (or water efficient) counterparts can be a huge draw for eco friendly renters. They’re better for the environment, and they keep utility costs down. If you can’t spring for something top of the line, choose a refurbished secondhand appliance that you’re sure will be in proper working order.

A few investments in your Tucson rental property now, can lead to a happy long-term tenant. If you’re looking to secure a quality tenant, provide a quality rental. Everyone will be happy and you won’t need to worry about finding a new person to rent your property any time soon.

The post Tucson Rental Property Improvements Worth Your Time And Money appeared first on New Concept Property Management.