When we talk to landlords, one of the biggest concerns they often have is the fear that tenants will damage their home. This is understandable, but with a few important steps, can usually be avoided.

Today, we’re talking about how to prevent tenant damage in your Mesa rental property.

Implement an Effective Tenant Screening Process

The best way to avoid tenant damage is by screening your tenants well. Before you hand over the keys, make sure you collect as much information as possible on how they’ve behaved in rental properties previously. Your tenant screening process must include:

• Nationwide criminal and eviction check
• Analysis of credit reports, income, and financial stability
• Reference checks with current and previous landlords

Talking to landlord references is an especially useful tool. You can ask those landlords if the tenants left behind any damage and if they received their full security deposit back.

Speaking of security deposits, make sure you collect one before your tenants move in. That will give you some financial protection if a lot of damage is left behind once those tenants moved out.

Be Proactive with Maintenance

Pay attention to emergency and routine maintenance issues. Not only does this protect the condition of your asset, it shows your tenants that you’re responsive to their needs and that you care about the property. This will set a standard for how you expect them to treat the home.

Check out our blog on handling maintenance, and take a look at our tenant maintenance checklist. Pay attention to preventative maintenance issues as well. Schedule the regular delivery of air filters so tenants can be reminded to change them routinely. Hire professional cleaners to scrub the property once a year, and educate your residents on how you expect them to maintain the property. This will reduce the likelihood of damage.

Conduct Seasonal and Routine Inspections

Inspections allow you to ensure there isn’t any ongoing damage or unreported maintenance issues. As long as your tenants know to expect them and you provide enough advance notice, they won’t feel like you’re violating their privacy or disrupting their right to the quiet enjoyment of the property. During the inspection, look for any deferred maintenance issues so you can take care of them right away. Check for lease violations and discuss any concerns with your tenants right away.

Communication and Trust: Establish an Excellent Relationship

You shouldn’t have to worry about property damage when you have a great relationship with your tenants. Establish a respectful and a responsive relationship from the beginning, and make sure they feel comfortable talking to you or asking for help. When tenants trust you, they’re going to treat your property well.

Work with a Professional Mesa Property Management Company

Working with a professional property management company can greatly reduce the risk of tenant damage to your rental home. Property managers have procedures and systems in place to ensure nothing happens to your home. You can expect to have your asset protected and its condition preserved.

We’d love to tell you more and help you gain some peace of mind when you’re renting out a property. Contact us at Rosenbaum Realty Group.