Every Landlord’s Guide to Finding Great Renters by Janet Portman; Book Review
Multi-unit investors are the core clients of experienced and successful real estate agents. 1031 exchanges are one of many options for prospective homeowners. However, after closing or escrow is when the real work begins, and offering ways to smooth the operational transition for new or repeat owners of rental properties can be a great source of future referrals for real estate agents. A new book released in 2006 should be a mandatory closing gift from the sales agent to the buyer of any multi-unit building or complex, with two or a thousand units.
Every Landlords Guide to Finding Great Tenants by Attorney Janet Portman, Nolo, 2006, ISBN 1-4133-0413-3, Paperback, 455 pages is designed in an easy-to-read format, filled with icons, shaded text boxes, sample forms, and checklists. Easy-to-read tables describe state-specific laws on security deposit return and display of notices, to name a few. From apartment marketing programs, how to show a rental, receiving and screening calls, and checking references, no step in the process is skipped and all procedures are thoroughly detailed.
Ms. Portman brings an expert’s perspective on the law, but don’t think this is dry reading. Attractive text peppered with bullet points, graphics, and clever cautionary points make this the best desktop reference for any homeowner. Perfect for the seasoned homeowner but exasperated for the newly minted, this is a must-have rental resource.
Each Landlord’s Guide to Finding Great Renters comes with a handy CD-ROM, for landlords on the go. The CD has files of all the forms presented and discussed in the book, as well as examples of conversations between landlords and tenants. Nothing has been left out of this comprehensive guide, and the format makes it easy to focus on a particular topic and review others when the time comes.
Chapter titles include; Choosing good tenants makes business sense, Complying with anti-discrimination laws, Dealing with current tenants before looking for new ones, How to advertise effectively, How to display your rent, Preparing your rental application and screening materials, Responding to initial questions and phone screening, prepare your rental for an open house or showing, face-to-face: show rental and negotiate with prospective tenants, screen rental applications, check applicant’s credit reports, verify Personal, Landlord, and Employer References, Check Applicants’ Criminal Records, Choosing and Working with a Tenant Screening Agency, Choosing Your New Tenant, and Refusing: What to Say, What to Write.
This book is a solid ten and highly recommended for building owners, qualified 1031 exchange brokers, real estate publishers and educators, lease and rental managers, real estate agents and brokers.