Back to Basics: Top 20 Tenant Screening Tips for Landlords!

Landlords are just like everybody else. The latest and greatest bright and shiny object distracts us all from time to time. We are always looking for that new thing out there that will make our rental business run more efficiently. We are constantly looking at new software, revising our leases and rental agreements, and trying to change little things that can make a big difference in the final outcome of our bottom line. The constant pursuit of a better way […]

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Renter Tip: Follow-up with the Landlord with a friendly note after the showing

It is always a good idea to end the showing on a positive note. So after you have filled out the application, given the copies of pay stubs, your photo ID and credit report if you have it, to the landlord. Then it’s a great idea so follow-up with a little note or text message about an hour or two after the showing. The daily details of managing properties may distract most landlords. A little reminder or thank you that […]

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Tip For Renters: Know your numbers before you call the landlord

I am always surprised at how many times when someone calls me about an apartment I have for rent, that they have no idea how much their monthly income is. It is vitally important for a landlord as the decision maker to be able to know that information as quickly as possible. Being prepared with the answer for “how much money do you make a month”, shows the landlord that you have done your homework, you know how much you […]

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Renter Tip: If you really like the apartment, should you put down a holding deposit?

I use caution when suggesting this tactic. Let’s face it, not all landlords are reputable. Offering to put down a holding deposit on an apartment is something I would always suggest if you truly loved the apartment. If you are 100% sure that this is the apartment that you want, then I would truly consider offering at least a half months rent to the landlord at the time of the showing. If you do this, then absolutely make sure that […]

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New Year + New Marijuana Laws = New Challenges for Massachusetts Landlords

In November 2016 Massachusetts voted in one of the most dreaded laws by landlords in the legalization of recreational marijuana. Most landlords are concerned with what this means for the rental properties and how this is going to impact their rental businesses. The obvious fear is, now that recreational pot is legal, that tenants will now be blazing up and puffing weed inside their apartments and think there is nothing the landlord can do about it. A Little Knowledge Can Help […]

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Renter Tip: Portray yourself as living in that apartment at the showing

Every Realtor or renting professional knows it’s a good indicator from someone looking at a rental space is when they start to envision their furniture in the room. Another good indicator to gauge interest is when they start to call the rooms by name, like “office” or “bedroom” or makes some comment as to how they would set up the apartment should they end up living there. This visualization process shows the landlord that you already imagine yourself living in that […]

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Renter Tip: Be prompt, professional, and come to the apartment showing prepared

The most import thing I can stress about being prepared is to show up on time for the showing. Being late, or not calling the landlord to tell them you may be late, is a sure sign to get off on the wrong foot with that landlord. Being late says that the landlord, “your time is not that important to me”. It’s a good idea to be prompt, be polite, and be respectable. This is the fastest way to a […]

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