Renters please read

The residential rental market in my part of the world right now is pretty hot. It seems like I am getting five rental calls for every buy or sell call. I get these calls because I have a few rental listings. This past week has been a little frustrating with some potential rental clients. So I thought what I would do is try and explain some of the "things" my landlords will understand and some of the "things" they will not understand.

There is a pretty good chance my landlords will understand your lower credit scores. At one time or another we have all been in that boat. They understand that you would for the most part prefer to buy however for some reason can't or don't want to at this time. Please be upfront about what your credit situation was and is currently. Honesty here is the best policy.

Please do not send me a lease application that says you are willing to pay 33% less than the listed monthly rent and no more. (This happened today and is probably the reason for this particular blog.) When you called me and asked to see the house I explained what the monthly lease rate is and got your acknowledgement of that fact. Although there may be some negotiating room in a listed lease rate chances are it is not 33%. Please stay within your rental price range. Most landlords I know are not making a ton of money off this one rental home.

If you must smoke inside the house the chances of your leasing anything nice is probably slim to none. None of my landlords will allow smoking in the house and most take a dim view of those who say they smoke only outside. Even in this part of Texas it can get pretty cold on some winter nights.

The fact that you as a renter have more medium size dogs than you do kids is probably not going to go over big with my landlord client either. Pets at one time or another have caused the majority of landlords a problem. It is not that the landlords don't like pets it is when there are to many of them, a breed known for possible violence, they weigh as much as I do or are as tall as my small SUV. Please realize that in most cases the time for unlimited pet ownership is when you own your home not when you rent.

Landlords want to lease their properties. They understand normal wear and tear. They understand most credit situations. They will respect you and your privacy if you respect them and their property.

Thanks and please have a GREAT day!

Ron Wickes