No one wants to deal with troublesome residents, but its a fact of the business that they will crop up from time to time. By paying extra attention to the move-in process, however, property managers can help ensure they are finding the best residents.
Here are seven steps to follow in attracting and vetting potential residents:
1. Communicate clearly about the move-out. Once residents inform the property manager that they intend to move out, clearly communicate next steps, including the date and time of the inspection and when they must vacate the unit.
2. Schedule contractors ahead of time. If the unit needs more work than can be handled in-house, book contractors before the unit is empty, so theres no needless down time.
3. Start marketing before the unit is empty. A month before the unit will be ready for a new resident, post the opening.
4. Screen potential residents. Ask all potential residents for the standard screening information (e.g., number of residents, credit scores, references, etc.).
5. Give unit tours to qualified prospects. Schedule a time for each qualified prospect to see the unit and community. This meeting offers another opportunity to evaluate prospective residents.
6. Ask the best prospects to submit an application. Offer potential residents a pre-prepared form. If you will conduct a credit check, collect the appropriate fee at this time.
7. Schedule the lease signing. At this point, the resident needs to pay all money owed before gaining access to the unit.