How To Find Good Tenants For Orlando Rental Home  

As an Orlando property manager, I know that finding reliable tenants can make or break a rental property’s success.

Good tenants pay rent on time, respect the property, and help maintain a positive rental experience. Based on my experience, here’s a guide to help Orlando landlords attract and select quality tenants.

Consider Hiring a Property Management Company

If you don’t have the time or experience to manage your rental property effectively, consider hiring a property management company. Like all businesses, it’s a learning curve, and it could cost you thousands of dollars to think you can do it yourself when you don’t know enough about property management.

They can handle tenant screening, lease agreements, rent collection, and property maintenance on your behalf, making it easier to secure long-term tenants and maintain a well-managed property.

Contact McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes, a small family-owned and operated company that would take care of your home as if it were ours. We specialize in investment home rental and sales.

Call us at 407-933-2367 in the UK at 0161-300-9595 to see if we fit your property management needs. We don’t do short-term vacation rental property management, but we can steer you in the right direction!

If you’d like the DIY approach, here are some key insights based on our 30+ years of experience in the property management business.

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Set a Competitive Rental Rate For Your Orlando Rental Home

Research the local Orlando rental market to determine the appropriate rent price for your property. Overpricing your home may deter potential tenants, while underpricing can limit your return on investment.

Consider location, size, amenities, and overall condition when setting your rent price.

Advertise Effectively

A well-crafted listing is essential to attract the right tenants. High-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and strategic platform use all help find applicants who are a good fit for your property.

Use Professional Photos

Clear, professional photos of the property highlight its best features and create a strong first impression. Capture each room, focusing on features like natural lighting, spaciousness, and amenities.

Write a Detailed Description

Include key information such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, and any upgrades or unique features. If the property is near desirable locations like Disney, schools, or parks, mention that too.

List on Targeted Rental Sites

Effective listings are visible where good tenants are looking. Post on Zillow, Apartments.com, and Trulia, and consider local sites that Orlando residents commonly browse for rentals.

Use social media like Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RentersChoiceHomes, local newspapers, and word-of-mouth referrals to reach a wider audience.

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Set Clear Tenant Criteria

Creating clear, fair criteria from the beginning helps filter out unqualified candidates. It also protects you legally by ensuring consistency in the tenant selection process.

Define Your Standards

Decide upfront on minimum requirements for credit score, income level (typically three times the monthly rent), and rental history. This clarity saves time by focusing only on qualified applicants.

Enforce Your Policy Consistently

Follow the same standards for each applicant to avoid potential discrimination claims. Document your criteria and keep notes on each application review to maintain consistency and transparency.

Be Transparent About Pet Policies

If you allow pets, specify any size or breed restrictions. Also, inform prospective tenants about additional pet deposits or monthly pet fees. If you don’t allow pets, make this clear from the beginning.

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Screen Tenants Thoroughly

Screening is the most crucial step in selecting reliable tenants. A comprehensive review of each applicant’s background, credit, and rental history helps identify candidates likely to respect your property and pay rent on time.

A well-drafted lease agreement is crucial for establishing clear expectations and protecting you and your tenants. Be sure to include terms that address the duration of the lease, rent amount and due date, security deposit, maintenance responsibilities, and rules for the property.

It’s a good idea to consult with a local attorney to ensure your lease complies with Florida’s landlord-tenant laws. A good property management company will have an attorney prepare the lease for you.

The landlord and tenants laws change frequently, and your lease needs to comply with updates to these laws.

Conduct a Background and Credit Check

Using a screening service, run a credit check to assess financial responsibility. Avoid applicants with a history of late payments, excessive debt, or recent bankruptcies. A background check also identifies any criminal history, which helps ensure safety for your property and neighbors.

Verify Employment and Income

Request recent pay stubs, bank statements, or employment letters to confirm they meet your income requirements. Freelancers and gig workers should provide proof of consistent income.

Contact Previous Landlords

A conversation with prior landlords offers insight into the applicant’s behavior and reliability. Ask if they paid rent on time, respected the property, and complied with lease terms. Look for any patterns that might suggest future issues.

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Conduct In-Person or Virtual Interviews

An interview provides valuable context about potential tenants and their compatibility with your rental expectations. Treat this as an opportunity to assess character, responsibility, and communication style.

Schedule Interviews with Serious Applicants

Once you’ve narrowed down the list, arrange a meeting, either in person or virtually, to discuss the application further. This step can be particularly helpful in identifying individuals who genuinely value the property.

Prepare Key Questions

Ask about their reason for moving, how long they plan to stay, and what they look for in a rental. Find out how they’ve handled past rental situations and any specific requirements they might have.

Gauge Communication and Attitude

Communication is crucial in property management. Observe how timely and respectful they are throughout the process, as this often translates to how they’ll communicate as tenants.

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Prepare the Property to Attract Respectful Tenants

The condition of your rental property sets the tone for tenant relationships. Well-maintained homes attract responsible tenants who care about their living environment.

Curb Appeal For Your Orlando Rental Home

Before listing your property for rent, ensure your Orlando rental home is in excellent condition. Clean, well-maintained homes with updated features are more attractive to potential tenants. Consider investing in upgrades like new appliances, modern fixtures, or fresh paint. A welcoming exterior and lovely landscaping also contribute to positive first impressions.

Ensure the Property is Clean and Maintained

Before showings, conduct a thorough cleaning, address any necessary repairs, and update worn-out items. Even small improvements, like fresh paint or new fixtures, can boost appeal and show you care about upkeep.

Highlight Desirable Features

Showcase unique aspects such as a fenced yard, modern appliances, or smart home features. Orlando renters often seek amenities that make their living experience comfortable and enjoyable.

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Set Clear Lease Terms and Expectations

Transparent lease terms and house rules set a solid foundation. Avoid vague language and be upfront about policies, fees, and responsibilities.

Cover Lease Terms Thoroughly

Clarify rent amounts, due dates, security deposit requirements, and any fees (such as for late rent or returned checks). Outline maintenance responsibilities and emergency contact procedures to prevent future misunderstandings.

Establish Property Rules

Include policies for parking, noise, pet rules, and general behavior expectations. If tenants are responsible for lawn care or other upkeep, note that clearly in the lease.

Use an Attorney-Reviewed Lease

A legally vetted lease agreement protects you and your property. This can prevent disputes by ensuring clarity on all points covered in the lease.

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Follow a Clear Move-In Process

Streamlining the move-in process builds trust and sets the tone for a positive landlord-tenant relationship.

Conduct a Move-In Walkthrough

Take time to inspect the property with your new tenant. Document the property’s condition with photos, and have them sign an inspection form noting any existing issues.

Provide a Welcome Packet

Give tenants essential information, including contact details, maintenance requests, emergency procedures, and garbage collection schedules. A welcome packet helps them settle in and reduces unnecessary calls.

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Establish a Communication Routine

Regular check-ins and open lines of communication encourage tenant cooperation and help address issues before they escalate.

Schedule Periodic Inspections

Arrange for routine inspections (with proper notice) to ensure the property remains in good condition. Use these opportunities to address maintenance needs and discuss any tenant concerns.

Make Yourself Accessible

Provide tenants with multiple ways to reach you, whether by phone, email, or a tenant portal. Quick, professional responses foster a strong landlord-tenant relationship.

Address Issues Promptly

Whether it’s a repair request or a lease concern, resolve issues as soon as they arise. Proactive management minimizes tenant dissatisfaction and the likelihood of lease violations.

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Trust Your Instincts in the Selection Process

In my experience, gut feelings can be valuable when selecting tenants. If you feel uneasy about an applicant despite a clean background, it’s okay to pass. This decision-making element often strengthens over time as you gain experience with tenants.

Pay Attention to First Impressions

Evaluate applicants’ punctuality, communication, and overall demeanor. Respectful candidates likely translate to respectful tenants.

Don’t Ignore Red Flags

If something seems off during screening, trust your instincts. Patterns of disrespect, inconsistent responses, or unusual financial explanations can signal future problems.

Foster a Positive Landlord-Tenant Relationship

Building a positive relationship with your tenants can encourage them to stay longer in your Orlando Rental home. Respond promptly to maintenance requests, communicate clearly, and promptly address concerns.

Treat your tenants with respect, and they will likely reciprocate by taking care of your property and being reliable with rent payments. Consider offering incentives to encourage tenants to sign longer or renew their current lease.

Incentives could include slower rent increases for lease renewals, upgrades, or improvements to the property. These incentives can help make your Orlando long-term rental home more appealing to tenants looking for a long-term rental home.

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Following these steps, you can attract and secure quality tenants who respect your Orlando rental property and maintain a positive landlord-tenant relationship. Reliable tenants are key to a stable and profitable rental experience, making investing time and effort in the selection process worthwhile.

Speak to our property management experts

If all sounds too daunting (and it is), connect with our South Orlando property managers and get the answers you need.