Rental Owner Resources
Helpful Information for Property Owners
Whether you’re preparing to rent your first investment property or looking to improve your leasing process, these resources provide practical information to help you make informed decisions. Housing Surplus is committed to helping rental owners understand the tenant placement process and prepare their properties for successful leasing.
Preparing Your Property for the Rental Market
Before advertising your property, it’s important to ensure it is clean, safe, and move-in ready.
Topics may include:
Completing necessary repairs
Professional cleaning
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Landscaping and curb appeal
Appliance functionality
Safety and maintenance checks
Taking quality listing photos
Pricing Your Rental Property
Setting the right rental price is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Factors that influence rental pricing include:
Property location
Square footage
Bedrooms and bathrooms
Property condition
Amenities
Local rental market trends
Comparable rental properties
Accurate pricing helps attract qualified applicants while reducing vacancy time.
Attracting Qualified Renters
Well-prepared listings receive more interest and stronger applicants.
Helpful tips include:
Use high-quality photos
Write detailed property descriptions
Highlight unique amenities
Be transparent about rental requirements
Respond promptly to inquiries
Understanding Tenant Screening
Effective tenant screening helps rental owners make informed leasing decisions.
A comprehensive screening process may include:
Credit review
Income verification
Employment verification
Rental history
Background screening (where permitted by law)
Identity verification
Housing Surplus follows a consistent screening process while complying with applicable Fair Housing laws.
Fair Housing Information
Federal, state, and local Fair Housing laws prohibit discrimination in housing.
Rental owners should make leasing decisions based on consistent, objective qualification standards.
Housing Surplus is committed to conducting tenant placement services in accordance with applicable Fair Housing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions?
How long does it typically take to find a tenant?
Every property is different. Market conditions, pricing, location, and property condition all influence leasing timelines.
Can I choose the applicant I want?
Housing Surplus presents qualified applicants based on your established rental criteria while ensuring compliance with applicable Fair Housing laws.
Do I need to provide maintenance after the tenant moves in?
Yes. Since Housing Surplus provides tenant placement services only, ongoing maintenance and property management responsibilities remain with the property owner or their designated property manager after the lease begins.
Should I allow pets?
Allowing pets may increase your applicant pool, but every owner should carefully consider potential risks, insurance requirements, and applicable laws before establishing a pet policy.
Helpful Documents
Downloadable resources could include:
Rental Property Preparation Checklist
New Landlord Checklist
Move-In Preparation Guide
Rental Pricing Worksheet
Property Marketing Checklist
Need Assistance Leasing Your Property?
Whether you’re preparing your first rental or adding another property to your portfolio, Housing Surplus is here to simplify the tenant placement process.
From marketing your property to screening qualified applicants and coordinating lease execution, our team helps rental owners lease with confidence.