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I have a 2/1 I'm trying to rent and I am having an awful time this go-round. In the past we had numerous applicants, some good, some bad.
What was the nature of these past applicants?
The better ones in particular.
TWO bedroom homes are kind of an odd duck...
usually/often only appealing to the peripheral renter market:
downsizing retiree, newlywed type couples and middle aged singles.
Families with kids (the most common house renters) will need more BR space.
Quote:
The backyard is fenced in and has a large concrete patio.
Walkable to schools, 3 minute walk to bus stops, quiet street.
Your next segment are dog people who want/need a fenced yard.
What was the nature of these past applicants?
The better ones in particular.
TWO bedroom homes are kind of an odd duck...
usually/often only appealing to the peripheral renter market:
downsizing retiree, newlywed type couples and middle aged singles.
Families with kids (the most common house renters) will need more BR space.
Your next segment are dog people who want/need a fenced yard.
From here... that seems too high.
I think the problem is the neighborhood. The OP said it's not in a nice area and that really dictactes the 'type' of applicants you're going to get. Good tenants don't normally apply in shady areas.
The area isn't bad. I certainly wouldn't call it shady. It's not the upper-middle class vinyl village kind of area. More blue collar, older folks.
As far as dogs, we don't mind them, but everyone who has applied and has a dog wants to bring a pit bull. We do not allow them, nor does our insurance company. Got a labrador? Come on. Pits, shepards, rotties, etc., no way.
As for rent being too high, we are probably underpriced a little. One applicant was paying g 995/month right around the corner for a 2/1. We had to decline them because of a not-so-good recommendation and they still owe the prior LL money. They also lied on the app.
The area isn't bad. I certainly wouldn't call it shady. It's not the upper-middle class vinyl village kind of area. More blue collar, older folks.
I'm inclined to agree with those who say that it's just not a good time of year - wherever the rental is located. People in general have more on their minds with the upcoming holiday season than moving house. Hang in there - this too shall pass!
As far as dogs, we don't mind them, but everyone who has applied and has a dog wants to bring a pit bull. We do not allow them, nor does our insurance company. Got a labrador? Come on. Pits, shepards, rotties, etc., no way.
Some insurance companies do allow them. I have had rottweilers for years and have Travelers insurance. The short time that we rented, we got renter's insurance that covered our dog in the event that she bit someone. The caveat with Allstate was that our dog could not be a full bred breed of rottweiler, pit bull, or doberman. My dog is not, but honestly, unless a dog is AKC registered, I doubt that it could be proven that it is full bred.
There is an insurance company that covers any dog that passes the Good Canine Citizenship test. It's a good indication of the dog's likelihood of aggressive behavior.
One thing I found out later is that although the law does not hold landlords responsible for a dog who attacks someone unless the landlord knew the dog was aggressive or had physical possession of the dog when the attack occurred, the landlord is always initially named in the lawsuit even though the landlord is later cleared. Just getting out of the suit could be expensive. If I were considering renting to a person who had a large breed dog, I would ask for an additional deposit that could be used towards an attorney's retainer. As a renter, I would have paid it.
The house has hardwoods in the living room and bedrooms, VCT in the kitchen and laundry closet (it's not really big enough to call it a laundry room), and ceramic tile in the bathroom. The hardwoods are in 85% shape. The backyard is fenced in and has a large concrete patio. The neighborhood isn't great, but it's one I would live in if I had to. Walkable to schools, 3 minute walk to bus stops, quiet street. Rent is $725/month with optional lawn care for $60/month.
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What exaclty does this mean then? If the area isn't great, you're not going to get top notch tenants. I"m only commenting on the words you wrote.
We have always had trouble this time a year.........we can never seem to get out of the October, November, December vacancy problem cycle. Lots of holidays and what not!
Another drawback is only having one bathroom.........times have changed and Americans want the extra bath.......we have lost because of that. My generation (my friends) grew up with many siblings and one bathroom houses.....it was the norm.
Spanky its a tough time in Charlotte this time of year, but can be done. Have you considered only using a property manager to market and find a tenant? Yes they might charge 1/2 of the first month's rent, but it might be worth your time.
Sun, I am the property manager. We have close to 50 units. I'm not bringing in an outside PM for this. Not to mention the fact that the people who control the check ook wouldn't even consider it if it was needed. My grandmother owns the company and my aunt controls the financials. I do pretty much everything else.
KiminFL, by not great I don't mean it's a slum neighborhood, not by any stretch. It's older houses that are in pretty good shape but the surrounding areas have a rough-ish reputation. I'd have no problem living in the neighborhood. I'm going to have to stick with the theory that it's just the time of year.
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