It is estimated that there are between 10 and 11 million individual investor landlords in the United States. For these people, renting their property enables a consistent passive income along with many other benefits. While being a landlord has many advantages, it can also be challenging at times.
One of the trickiest aspects is finding the very best tenants. Finding the right tenant for your rental property is essential for a successful and stress-free landlord experience.
In this blog post, we will discuss three important things to know about tenant screening in Bellevue, WA. If you are a local landlord, keep reading!
1. Importance of Background Checks
One of the most critical aspects of a tenant screening process is conducting comprehensive background checks. Background checks provide valuable insights into an applicant's:
- Rental history
- Creditworthiness
- Criminal record
When screening potential tenants in Bellevue, WA, it's important to look for any past evictions, late rent payments, or other issues that may indicate a potential risk. A thorough tenant background check helps you make an informed decision and reduces the chances of problematic tenants.
2. Fair Housing Laws and Discrimination
While conducting tenant screening, it is imperative to adhere to fair housing laws to avoid any form of discrimination. In Bellevue, WA, as in the rest of the United States, it is illegal to discriminate against tenants based on their:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex
- National origin
- Disability
- Familial status
These protected classes are defined by the Fair Housing Act, and violating these laws can lead to severe legal consequences. When screening applicants, it is essential to have consistent and objective criteria that are applied uniformly to all prospective tenants. This helps ensure that you are treating every applicant fairly and evaluating them solely based on their qualifications and suitability as renters.
3. Professional Screening Services
Tenant screening can be a time-consuming process that requires attention to detail and expertise. To simplify the process and ensure accuracy, many landlords in Bellevue, WA, choose to enlist the help of professional screening services. Of course, your premier local option is always Brink Property Management.
We specialize in conducting comprehensive background checks and credit evaluations, using reliable data sources to provide accurate and up-to-date information. This helps you save time and ensure that the screening process is conducted efficiently and in compliance with all applicable laws.
Things to Know About Tenant Screening in Bellevue, WA
Tenant screening is an essential step in the rental process that helps landlords in Bellevue, WA, find responsible and reliable tenants. Taking the time to screen tenants properly is an investment in the long-term success of your rental property. It can save you significant headaches down the road.
As noted above, Brink Property Management is your leading choice for tenant screening. We have more than 27 years of first-hand experience in the local rental market.
To learn more, contact our professional team today. We look forward to speaking with you.
