[JudyLife]

I bought a 3/2 CYV in Hadley which I’d like to rent Jan-March/April 2020. Any guidelines regarding selecting renters? Is there a list of blacklisted renters anywhere?

[GrumpyOldMan]

Be in the upper half of the average rate for a rental in your area, and require (and check) references. Require a serious deposit.

[JudyLife]

Thank you, I had not thought of references, so I will do this.

[Toymeister]

I go to the top 20% of the rental market. So far the worst that I have had were outside smokers. Could not detect smoke in the home. The neighbors were quick to tell me. Renters sneaking in a second couple is pretty common. The unreported broken or missing items have all been quite small in value.

Nowadays, I don't answer rent inquiries if the potential guest is from a few key areas, I just have had enough of the NYC area or Jersey attitude. Also I find the more anyone self promotes how reliable they are the less they are. It is a certain entitled vibe, you will recognize it quickly.

[Fraugoofy]

Originally Posted by JudyLife

I bought a 3/2 CYV in Hadley which I’d like to rent Jan-March/April 2020. Any guidelines regarding selecting renters? Is there a list of blacklisted renters anywhere?

I check them out on Facebook first. I always speak to the renters and feel them out. I just want to make sure we are a good fit as Landlord and Renter. I require a decent deposit. I live six houses from my rental and am available as needed. I have had GREAT renters and many have become friends! Rae

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[Velvet]

My neighbor up north rents the house he inherited. He has such great tenants over the years I had to ask him how he does it. He said he charges high rent and checks references. He also watches hydro and water usage. He can immediately tell if there are too many people in the building. One person tried to smoke, he was gone in 24 hours, not sure what my neighbor said but the guy was happy to leave.

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by Toymeister

Nowadays, I don't answer rent inquiries if the potential guest is from a few key areas, I just have had enough of the NYC area or Jersey aditude.

HAHA! Your avatar befits you! Just funnin' ya. Us northerners ATTITUDE ain't all bad. Right Nucky?

[Toymeister]

Originally Posted by EdFNJ

HAHA! Your avatar befits you! Just funnin' ya. Us northerners ATTITUDE ain't all bad. Right Nucky?

I am from the north as well, the Jersey attitude is something else. Plenty of great people to have as guests w/o the drama.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Rent high and check references is a stategy proven over many decades.

[villagetinker]

OP, there are some local firms that will act as your agent, you may want to inquire which of these are reliable and cost effective. This might save you a lot of trouble.

[Toymeister]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

OP, there are some local firms that will act as your agent, you may want to inquire which of these are reliable and cost effective. This might save you a lot of trouble.

I advise against this, they charge 17-20%, set the rent as they see fit, force you to use their proprietary services such as home watch, and lock you into a contract.

It has bad idea all written over it.

[valuemkt]

The internet is a wonderful thing.. First off, I would never consider renting to anyone that wouldnt provide me a photocopy of drivers license.
Next, nearly all of my renters had at least one person in the couple on Linkedin.. Of course facebook is next .. If they don;t appear on either, you need to find another way to get to know them. For longer term rentals, I wouldnt do a background and credit check. Next, and somewhat controversial, I'm reluctant to rent to someone outside the US.. Why, because in the event of default / damage, it;s nearly impossible to get and enforce a judgement on them. In my many years of renting in numerous states, the only time I wasnt able to collect a judgement or garnish wages was when a renter returned to Canada. The only time I had a little bit of trouble here in the Villages was renting to a Canadian. As I;ve said to folks over the years .. if you wouldn't give someone the keys to your car, why in the heck would you give them the keys to your house ?? You have to be comfortable.

[Velvet]

With a non US renter they should pay the entire amount of their stay before you give them the keys, that system seems to work in Hawaii for many. Including cleaning and damage deposit.

[valuemkt]

Everyone pays in advance here.. typically a minimum of 75 days prior to occupancy. Even on a 3 or 4 month rental. That doesnt help if there;s damage or theft

[Velvet]

The damage deposit can be substantial and it is refunded completely if no damage. You can even offer to pay the renter interest on the damage deposit. It covers theft too, and large theft eg golf cart is covered by insurance. It also makes sense to keep one room locked with your own personal items if you plan to use the property part of the year.

I remember one year the white towels provided in my rental got yellow stains and all the towels cost was deducted from my damage deposit - never used other peoples’ towels again, I buy/bring my own. Like them better anyways.