Prescreening and Houston Property Management Companies

One of the most important parts of owning and managing rental properties is prescreening potential tenants. This is why you won't find many Houston property management companies that don't offer this service to their clients. You may be a new investor who has decided to try your hand at providing Houston property management, which is fine. However, there are several red-flags you should know to look for when prescreening your potential renters.

1. Tardiness - When you schedule an appointment with a potential renter and they show up late, you need to ask why. Keep in mind this is a business relationship and you are acting as your own Houston property manager, therefore you should make sure the prospect has a valid reason for being late. If he doesn't, it may be an indicator for how he will treat his rent payment obligations.
   
   
2. Inability to Verify Information Submitted - Another huge red flag for Houston property management companies is not being able to verify critical information submitted by the applicant. For example: place of employment, current income or past rental history. It's important that you thoroughly check the current and past information for potential renters as this is usually a good indication of what kind of renters they will be.
   
   
3. Job and House "Hopping" - Occasionally, you will come across an application from a person who has had numerous jobs in the past year, as well as, lived in numerous places for the past few years. This is a sign of instability that many property managers in Houston take seriously and you should too.
   
   
4. Bad First Impression - Many professionals working at Houston property management companies place a lot of weight on the first impressions they get from potential renters. When you meet a potential tenant for the first time note how he looks, presents himself, whether his hair is combed, what kind of car he drives and how he addresses you. If you aren't impressed with anything the first time you meet a prospect, it may be wise to pass and continue your search for another tenant.