Every Landlord’s Guide to Finding Great Renters by Janet Portman; Book Review
Multi-unit investors are the staple clients of experienced and successful real estate agents. 1031 exchanges are one of many options for future homeowners. However, after closing or escrow is when the real work begins, and offering ways to smooth the operational transition for new or repeat rental property owners can be a great source of future referrals for real estate agents. A new book released in 2006 should be a mandatory closing gift from the listing agent to the buyer of any multi-unit building or complex, with two or a thousand units.
Every Landlords Guide to Finding Great Tenants by Esq. Janet Portman, Nolo, 2006, ISBN 1-4133-0413-3, Paperback, 455 pages is designed in an easy-to-read format filled with icons, shaded text boxes, sample forms, and checklists. The easy-to-read tables outline state-specific laws regarding the return of security deposits and the display of notices, to name a few. From apartment marketing programs, how to show a rental, receiving and screening calls, and checking references, no step in the process is skipped and all procedures are detailed to the core.
Ms. Portman brings an expert perspective on the law, but don’t think this is dry reading. Engaging text punctuated with clever bullets, graphics, and points of caution make this the ultimate desktop reference for any homeowner. Perfect for the seasoned homeowner but exasperated for the newcomer, this is a must-have rental resource.
Each Landlord’s Guide to Finding Great Renters comes on a handy CD-ROM, for homeowners on the go. The CD has files of all the forms presented and discussed in the book, as well as examples of conversations between landlords and tenants. Nothing has been left out of this comprehensive guide, and the format makes it easy to focus on a particular topic and review others when the time comes.
Chapter titles include; Choosing good tenants makes business sense, Complying with anti-discrimination laws, How to deal with current tenants before looking for new ones, How to advertise effectively, How you should show your rent, Preparing your rental application and screening materials, Responding to initial questions and phone screening, preparing your rental for an open house or showing, face-to-face: showing rental and negotiating with potential tenants, evaluating rental applications, checking applicant’s credit reports, verifying Personal, Landlord, and Employer References, Checking Applicants’ Criminal Records, Choosing and Working with a Tenant Screening Agency, Choosing Your New Tenant, and How to Refuse: What to Say, What to Write.
This book is a solid ten and highly recommended for building owners, qualified 1031 exchange intermediaries, real estate publishers and educators, leasing and rental managers, real estate agents and brokers.