Qualifying Tenants for Residential Units/Conclusion

Contact the current and previous landlords for a reference. Be careful that the "landlord" you reach is not their friend or relative posing as their landlords. When you are talking with these individuals try to get them to verify current rent or the exact address rather than you providing that to them.

Evaluation of the tenant should be based on this criteria discussed. Do not allow your personal likes or dislikes to be your yardstick. Your office policy should define your standards so making the decision becomes a regular routine.

Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com.

Stability A Good Sign

Longer term employment is a good sign of stability. Getting such information in large companies can be slow. We have found that the immediate supervisor is often willing to confirm the necessary employment verification. The applicant can provide you with his/her pay stub, thus confirming income level. Establish an office policy on how much income is necessary to qualify for renting the property. That level of income varies from one landlord to another.

Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM).  www.meerandco.com.

Normal Standard of Care

The criminal background check has now become a normal standard of care for a property manager. You will need an office policy on accepting/rejecting those individuals with felony or misdemeanor convictions. You should consult your attorney as to the pros and cons of this issue.


Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single-family homes and properties in Denver. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com.