.webp)
According to Eviction Lab, filing an eviction case in Alabama costs an average of $276. It's a lot of money, and landlords must pay that for every tenant they want to evict.
So, as a landlord in North Alabama, it's imperative to do everything possible to minimize your eviction risk. After all, the cost of the process extends beyond filing fees; even if you win the case, you may not recover all your tenant owes you. You'll also lose more as your rental sits empty.
Fortunately, you can prevent such disasters by outsourcing tenant screening.
The experts at Stutts Properties, Inc. have shared why it's best to have your tenants screened by the pros, so please read on.
Comprehensive Tenant Background Checks
If you outsource the tenant screening and rental application process to the pros, rest assured they'll be thorough when conducting background checks. They'll conduct the following:
- Pull and review tenant credit reports and scores
- Verify employment and income sources
- Run criminal background checks and check for convictions
- Check for rental and eviction histories and confirm tenant references
All those steps allow professionals to help you find quality tenants who can pay rent on time and have a history of doing so. They'll also help you avoid renting out to people who may endanger your property, neighbors, and community (e.g., someone with multiple convictions of violent crimes).
So, by screening your tenants more thoroughly, professionals can help minimize your risks of renting to people likely to face eviction.
Understanding of Tenant Screening Laws
Comprehensive tenant screening is crucial but can also be complex, especially for new landlords. Many rules and regulations govern the process, especially those prohibiting discriminatory acts, as AlabamaLegalHelp.org points out. Housing discrimination is against the law, and a question you think is okay, such as "Can you afford the rent?" can already constitute discrimination.
Such mistakes can result in legal complaints against you. So, unless you're 100% sure you understand all applicable tenant screening laws, it's best to outsource the process to avoid breaching tenant rights. Professionals understand all federal, state, and local laws, so they can help you find quality tenants while complying with all these rules.
Enjoy More Free Time and Peace of Mind
Being a landlord isn't as passive an income generator as it sounds. Aside from screening tenants, you'll also have to:
- Communicate with them
- Conduct regular property inspections and maintenance
- Perform accounting and recordkeeping
- Collect rent
By outsourcing tenant screening to the pros, you'll have one less landlord task to do and worry about. It can free up your time and give you more peace of mind, knowing you can rely on your tenants to pay rent on time and respect your property as if it were theirs.
Consider Outsourcing Tenant Screening
Now that you know why you should outsource tenant screening to professionals, consider partnering with Stutts Properties, Inc.
We're a full-service property management company comprised of highly educated and licensed real estate professionals. You can rely on our fair and comprehensive tenant screening practices, but we also specialize in marketing, rent collection, property maintenance, and financial reporting. We also provide eviction services to help shield you from the stress of costly evictions in North Alabama.
Speak with us today, and we'll happily give you a free property analysis!
