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Red Flags When Talking to Prospective Tenants | Property Management Companies in Columbia SC

property management companies in columbia sc

One of the most important jobs a property manager has is ensuring the most qualified tenants are living in investment properties. Investors count on property management companies in Columbia SC to know the best techniques for finding high-quality rental applicants including the red flags to listen for when showing the homes to prospective tenants. 

Red Flags to Listen for

When a property manager is showing a home to a prospective renter it is important to have a bit of a conversation. Red flags often slip out in casual conversation and professional leasing agents with property management companies in Columbia SC will catch these right away.

  1. What Do You Look for on the Background Check? If a prospective tenant wants details about what the background check is going to look for, chances are they have a few questionable things that might come up. These applicants may not want to waste time or money filling out the application if they may not pass the background check. 
  2. How Many People Do You Allow to Live Here? This question is a red flag because it indicates the prospect may not be able to afford the rent on their own, may have roommates, or additional people living in the home, whether they are on the lease or not. 
  3. I am Moving Because I Hate My Landlord. Whenever a prospective tenant trashes a landlord or other property management companies in Columbia SC it is a huge red flag that the tenant has issues, probably lease violations, with their current or previous landlords. Rental references and rental history will be important to double-check. 
  4. How Many Pets Are Allowed? When your tenant starts asking about the pet policy it is a sure thing that they have at least one animal they want to bring. If they ask how many pets can be in the home, chances are they have multiple pets or they want more in the future. Property managers will need to be upfront and clear about the pet policy in the lease.

The best way to ensure the top tenants are applying for and leasing your rental homes is to work with property management companies in Columbia SC with the ability to conduct thorough background checks and hold professional showings. 

If you are looking for a property manager, call Scott Properties of the Midlands at 803-951-0702.

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Property Management Companies in Columbia SC | Should Tenants Be Allowed Swimming Pools?

Property Management Companies in Columbia SC

One of the toughest decisions property management companies in Columbia SC must help owners make is whether to allow renters to set up swimming pools in the backyard. In South Carolina, some homeowners keep their pool going all year round and renters in single-family homes often want to enjoy their own private swimming pool as well. However, swimming pools can be a significant risk for property owners and there are several factors that you will need to consider with property management companies in Columbia SC.

Why You Should Let Tenants Have Swimming Pools

There are two reasons to let tenants have swimming pools—to make your property more attractive, and to charge more in rent. Depending on the type of renter you are targeting, swimming pools can be an effective draw for communities where you can increase rent for the luxury amenities. Swimming pools are hit and miss with families who might think the pool is a safety hazard; however, younger millennials and generation Z renters will love swimming pools with decks they can entertain on in the backyard and they will be willing to pay extra for it.

Why You Should Not Let Tenants Have Swimming Pools

The property management companies in Columbia SC will warn you that allowing tenants to have swimming pools can be a risk. Not only can swimming pools to a lot of damage to the yard, lawn, and property if they overflow or leak; they can put you at legal risk if an accidental drowning happens on the property. When the tenant moves out, they may not take down the pool ahead of time and the property maintenance crew will have to find a way to deal with it and restore the lawn beneath.

If you are considering allowing renters to have swimming pools, it is best to purchase rental properties that already have swimming pools installed. This way you know that the installation is done properly, the swimming pool will add value to the home rather than diminishing it, and professional pool maintenance can be called as needed.

If you need a property manager who can help you navigate the tough decisions, call Scott Properties at 803-951-0702