- Verify rental history and employment directly. Don't rely on documents alone - pay stubs can be forged. Verify income against actual bank statements.
- When calling previous landlords, don't just call the first previous. They might give a glowing review just to get the tenant out. Try to call 2nd, third previous landlords if possible.
- Run a full criminal background check, eviction history search on every adult who will live there (in addition to a credit report). 620 credit score minimum.
- Start with two annual unit inspections a year. If a tenant appears to be taking good care of the unit, move to annual inspections.
- Stay ahead of routine maintenance. Create a calendar for things like HVAC service, gutter cleaning, smoke detector checks, plumbing inspections, seasoninal maintenance.
- HVAC + Water heater age? Age and type. Average HVAC lifespan is 20 yrs water heater 7 years.
- Roof, age + condition. Lifespan 20-50 yrs depending on type and location
- Windows, Siding, Decks, Porches. Average lifepsan about 30+ years. How old are they? Are they in good condition?
- Drainage and Grade. This is the biggest source of water intrusion and foundation issues. Gutters are cheap, downspouts should head AWAY from the foundation, and the grade should slope away from the house. This is a constant.
- Foundation
- Sewer/Septic - Get a test / camera scope.
- Electrical - How many amps in panel? If less than 150A that may not cut it anymore. Service upgrades cost between $3-$7k. It's not like a bad or unsafe thing to have a 100A panel, and may work fine in a small house, but if you have a high power load you may find yourself frustrated.