St. John's NL Real Estate Blog

Larry Hann, a St. John’s real estate agent compiled these screening tips to help you to rent your apartment or house to respectful, dependable tenants. Remember, back in the good old days, when owning a rental property was a smart way to boost your lifestyle. Tenants were generally respectful, and you didn’t fear that they would destroy your rental property or not pay rent and refuse to move out.

Those days are gone. Landlords routinely run across some real bad actors and end up having to deal with property damage, thousands in lost rent, in addition to verbal and physical abuse. These days smart landlords rigorously screen potential tenants to weed out the bad actors.

Landlords can ask for the following information in compliance with the Landlord Tenant Act or the Human Rights legislation.

• Ask for proof of ability to pay rent with two months’ bank statements that show income. It’s prohibited to ask for the source of the income. Potential tenant must supply references from their past two landlords and a personal reference. Plus, addresses and contact information for same. 
• A telephone bill, cable bill or power bill addressed to them at their current rental is also required. Tenants will also be required to undergo a credit check and submit a certificate of good conduct. 
• Seventy-five per cent of a month’s rent will be required as a security deposit. The applicant must also provide the number of proposed tenants, and their ages, the plate number and type of vehicle(s) and any pets in the household.
• Tenants must agree to purchase tenant insurance and only given the key upon proof that they have the power transferred into their name.

This sounds like such a lot to require but will ensure your peace of mind and protect your investment. A lot of potential renters lose interest once they understand the level of scrutiny. The ones that remain are hopefully good people who will make excellent tenants.

The rental market is in short supply in the St. John's Real Estate area, and you will have no trouble renting your premises. Getting the right people at the start will make for a happy experience for all concerned.

If you're looking for an investment property, contact Larry Hann with the Hann Group at (709) 728-1169.