How to Choose the Best Property Managers for Tenant Screening Services

As a residential property owner in Charleston, SC, one of the most important services your property management company can provide is thorough tenant screening. With an ongoing need for quality tenants, selecting the right one for your rental property can be challenging. 

However, with the right screening process in place, you can increase your chances of selecting a reliable tenant and avoid costly and time-consuming issues down the line. In this article, we'll discuss the most crucial tenant screening services every Charleston property management company should provide, the top mistakes that property management companies make during the tenant screening process, and why choosing Charleston Property Company is hands down your best bet.

Why Are Tenant Screening Services Crucial?

Without properly screening tenants before allowing them to move into a rental, property owners put their investments at risk of bad tenants. The importance of tenant screening cannot be understated in selecting reliable and trustworthy tenants who are likely to pay rent on time and take care of the property.

Additionally, bad tenants are challenging and costly to remove from a property! The average cost of an eviction can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, which includes lost rent, legal fees, and property damage. Comprehensive tenant screening helps owners avoid costly evictions and ensure they select tenants who can afford the rent and are financially responsible.

What Does a Comprehensive Tenant Screening Include?

So, what aspects of tenant screening services help property owners enjoy better quality residents? Our Charleston, SC experts recommend a few critical components to review prospective tenants before choosing the best one for a property. 

Background and Credit Check

Two crucial steps in tenant screening include conducting a thorough background and credit check. 

Your property management company should ensure the potential tenant has a reliable credit history. A good credit score provides evidence that the tenant can pay rent on time and is financially responsible. 

A criminal background check helps to verify the tenant's legal status. However, property owners must be careful not to apply blanket policies that discriminate against potential renters with a criminal past. Working with an experienced property manager can help you evaluate a criminal history report and determine if a specific applicant poses a danger to your rental home, other tenants, or nearby residents. 

Your property manager can also help you proceed appropriately to avoid legal issues. 

Rental History Verification

The next step in the tenant screening process should be to verify the potential tenant's rental history.

Doing this includes contacting previous landlords to verify that the tenant paid rent on time, took care of the property, and did not cause any problems. This step is essential to ensure the potential tenant is trustworthy and can care for your property.

Income and Employment Verification

An additional critical step in tenant screening is income and employment verification. Your property management company should confirm that the potential tenant's income is sufficient and has steady employment to cover the rent and other expenses. This ensures that the tenant can pay rent consistently and avoid falling behind on payments.

Top Tenant Screening Mistakes A Property Management Company Can Make

While many property managers offer tenant screening services, plenty also make mistakes. 

One of the most common mistakes that property management companies make during the tenant screening process is failing to conduct a thorough background check. Without a comprehensive background check, you run the risk of leasing your property to a problematic tenant. 

Another common mistake is relying solely on a tenant's credit score. While a credit score is essential, it is only one piece of the puzzle. A thorough screening process includes a combination of factors such as credit score, employment history, and rental history.

Why Choose Charleston Property Company to Screen Your Tenants?

Charleston Property Company is a full-service property management company specializing in residential property management. We provide thorough tenant screening services, including background and credit checks, rental history, and income verification. 

Our team of experienced property managers has a proven track record of finding reliable tenants for our clients. We take the time to get to know each potential tenant and ensure they meet our strict screening criteria. With Charleston Property Company, you can rest assured that your rental property is in good hands, from placing quality residents to managing them throughout the lease term.

Experience Better Charleston, SC, Renters With the Best Property Management Company

We do our best to make sure we only place the best renters in your properties! It's one of the many reasons Charleston Property Company was voted the number one property management company in Charleston, SC, and the surrounding areas. 

Our team is committed to providing the best property management services to our clients. We offer a range of services, including property maintenance, rent collection, lease administration, and more. We're also dedicated to maximizing the value of your investment property while providing exceptional service to both property owners and tenants.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your goals! 

Learn more about property management companies in the Charleston, SC, area. Download our free resource, the "Top Ten Property Management Companies in Charleston, SC."