Make a lasting first impression with the following tips which include making a Rental Resume to make sure our team at Huston Property Managmenet remembers you during the rental application process.

Applying for a rental home can be as competitive as landing your dream job.  The best properties will attract the most qualified tenants, and as a renter, the application process should be approached like applying for a new job.  Just as a polished resume detailing your qualifications can make you stand out in a pool of job applicants, a rental resume detailing your qualifications as an outstanding tenant can make you stand out in the rental market.

A rental resume is a starting point to begin the rental process.  Landlords and property managers should always conduct thorough tenant screening on all potential tenants, that include credit and background checks.  But receiving a rental resume can help you elevate top applicants in the process.  Not only does a rental resume present “need to know information” about an applicant, but it shows professionalism and responsibility for the extra step to go above and beyond.

It is in the best interest of the property manager or landlord to be pick the most qualified tenant for the property.  They are responsible for ensuring the property is taken care of and maintained by their tenant.  Qualified tenants are more likely to pay rent on time, report maintenance issues before they cause any damage, follow rules outlined in a lease and keep the unit well maintained.

Since it is illegal under the Fair Housing Act for landlords to discriminate against certain criteria, applicants do not need to include private information about race/color, national origin, religion, disability, sex and familial status on their rental resumes. Landlords can choose tenants they feel have responsible financial habits based on credit history and employment.  And preparing a rental resume that shows current and past employment, rental history, and references gives your landlord reason to believe you are qualified to live in their rental property.

A rental applicant does not need to include familial information, likes names and ages of children under the age of 18.  However, it is appropriate for a landlord to know how many people will be living in the unit.  And a landlord can reasonably request that any person over the age of 18 be required to be on the lease.

Below are a few categories to include on a rental resume.  As part of the application process, a landlord may request a potential tenant to still complete a rental application.  A rental resume will be helpful for you in filling out a rental application as a lot of the requested information will be the same.

Rental Resume Guide – Sample Template Below

Name and contact information

Always include a way for how a property manager or landlord may easily contact you.

Objective

Just like a employment resume, an objective at the top of rental resume is a 2-3 sentence statement about your goals when looking for a new rental.  An objective should include what you’re looking for in a rental, what your long-term goals are and why you are a qualified tenant.

Example:

“I am looking to relocate from an apartment to a modest single-family home in Stockton that is in walking distance to restaurants, shops and stores.  As a working professional, I am looking for a low maintenance, newer home, in a quiet and friendly neighborhood.  I am a responsible tenant, looking for long-term housing.”

Tenant Background

The background section lets a tenant provide more information about themselves.  This can include current employment, education and if you have pets or roommates.  You can also consider including hobbies or interests to personalize you as an applicant.  The background section lets a landlord get to know a little bit more about their potential tenant.

Example:

“I was born and raised in Ohala, CA and have lived and worked in Stockton, CA for the last 5 years.  I have family here.  I am a Dialysis Technician at DaVita Dialysis Clinic, where I have worked for 3 years. When I am not working, I enjoy hiking and playing on my company’s softball team.  I do not have any pets. I do not have any roommates.  I have never been evicted, arrested or convicted for any reason.  I am happy to provide a letter of reference and a tenant ledger from my current or previous landlords regarding their experience with me as a tenant.”

Employment

Landlords need to know you have adequate income and job stability to afford rental payments.  Showing your employment history demonstrates responsibility and willingness to make commitments.  Make sure to include income details and employer contact information, as most landlords will want to verify employment.

Example:

Dialysis Technician, VaVita Dialysis Clinic, Stockton, CA

• Supervisor: Jason Santos — Contact: (209) xxx-xxxx
• Annual Income: $45,000.00

Rental History

Rental history is one of the most important criteria landlords use when evaluating applicants.  Displaying great tenant behavior on a rental resume is important.  Include bulleted information or a few sentences about previous rental properties you have lived.  It should include the address, your landlord’s or property manager’s name and contact information, the length of time at the property and the rent amount.  It is also a good idea to state why you moved.

Example:

Apple Hill Apartments, 2310 Fuji Rd. Stockton, CA   

• June 2012 – Present
• Contact:  Jackie Onana, Property Manager (209) xxx-xxxx
• Rent: $700
• Reason for leaving: Looking to move into a house from an apartment

References

Just as employers look to references for recommendations for work behavior, landlords can use references to determine if they think an applicant will be a good tenant.  You can include a letter of recommendation with your rental resume, but you can also provide reference contact information in the body of your resume.

Your references should include:

• The name
• The relation
• The phone number
• Email address

Additional Documents Available Upon Request

Letters of recommendation, income verification and proof of financial reserves are supporting documentation your landlord may require as part of the rental application.  Stating that you have those documents available on your resume shows you are prepared, know what to expect and have nothing to hide.

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Providing a rental resume when applying for a rental home is a great way to stand out in a pool of applicants in a competitive rental market but it is not a guarantee you will be approved.  A landlord will still complete a rental application process that should involve more detailed tenant screening procedures, like running a credit and background check.

Bonus Tip — Other job seeking behaviors rental applicants can emulate:

• Arrive promptly to your appointments with apartment managers and landlords.  This shows that you are responsible, value the landlord’s time and are able to keep commitments.  Good time management can be an indicator that you value your home and can take care of your rental property.
• Dress to impress.  While a full suit might not be necessary, business casual is appropriate dress for apartment interviews.
• Ask questions, be engaging.  Asking questions about the unit and neighborhood shows that you care about where you are living and are truly interested in the property.  If you are passive with your interest, your potential landlord might feel like you don’t even want the unit or do not care enough to take care of the unit.

Sample Rental Resume Template

About the Author:  Norbert Huston is the Broker/Realtor of Huston Assoc. Real Estate specializing in residential property management in Stockton and surrounding communities.  Our office is proud to use the RentecDirect software for our clients & residents, which also provides excellent content on a regular basis.

Congratulations on making the leap towards owning an investment property in Stockton! Real estate investments in San Joaquin County are often seen as one of the most reliable (and profitable) investment opportunities due to the tax benefits and income potential.

However, a reliable and profitable investment will only become safe and lucrative if managed properly.  A new landlord needs to take the necessary steps to set themselves up for success.

Finding the perfect property at the right price and paying for the property, whether with a loan or out of pocket, is only part of the real estate investment game. Managing a rental property successfully is the other equally important aspect.

Here’s a look at the most important areas a new landlord must understand in order to have the most successful property. To learn more about what to look for when purchasing an investment property  check out this article.

Know the Property Laws in California and in Stockton

Every rental property is governed by specific set of landlord-tenant laws established by state law.  Additionally, depending on where your property is located you may need to adhere to local city and county laws that will impact your rental property.  For example, the City of Stockton has a “rental property inspection ordinance.”

Landlord-tenant laws are state driven rules that will protect the owner, the property and the tenants in all rental transactions. 

Landlord-Tenant Laws include items like:

• How much you’re allowed to charge for a security deposit
• The amount of days you are required to give tenants before raising the rent price
• Whether you are allowed to charge a non-refundable pet deposit
• Who is responsible for snow-removal: landlord or tenant
• Whether a tenant is allowed to withhold rent due to a cockroach infestation

If you have yet to check out the landlord-tenant laws in California, you’ll find that there is a rule for almost every scenario that could arise between a landlord and renter interaction. Landlord-tenant laws provide the guidelines for how you will create a lease agreement.

Failing to follow landlord-tenant laws in any part of the state can result in a lawsuit and lost income.  For example, if you are evicting a renter  for non-payment of rent, but forgot to follow one of your state’s landlord-tenant laws the judge could end up siding with the tenant and you could owe him money!

Every new landlord should find an attorney who is familiar with landlord-tenant laws where your property is located. Arrange a meeting to go over any questions about owning a rental property, and have them review your lease agreement and any legal forms you will use in your rental business.

Screen Your Potential Stockton Tenants

Once you have a good understanding of your rights and responsibilities as a rental housing provider, let’s take a look at the next most important task required of a successful rental investment – tenant screening!  Have your criteria & qualifications available for prospective applicants IN ADVANCE for their review when they inquire about your property.

Your investment will only be profitable if you find tenants who pay rent on time, following lease terms and maintaining the property according to the lease (ie do not cause any damage!).

New landlords will be most successful at finding good tenants by following tenant screening best practices.  Landlords are advised to look at a rental applicant’s credit report, criminal report and eviction history to determine if they will be a good renter.

Benefits of a Tenant Screening Report:

• Credit report reveals a renter’s financial responsibility, bill paying habits and debt-to-income ratio.
• Criminal report will show you if a renter has a dangerous criminal background that would put your property, your community, your other tenants, you or your business in danger.
• Eviction reports show you if a renter has had any evictions in his past.

Additionally, a good landlord will ask for past landlord references, job references, pay-stubs, and other supporting documents to prove that the applicant can meet the income requirements and has the qualities of a good renter.

Tenant screening is one area that is governed by federal laws like the Federal Fair Housing Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  Your knowledge of landlord-tenant laws should include a complete understanding of these federal laws.

• Learn more about How to Create Legal Screening Criteria.

Tenant screening is the best way to protect the profitability of your investment property. The more qualified your renter is, the more likely you will have a positive landlord-tenant relationship. One free of evictions, property damage or vacancy – all things that significantly eat away at a landlord’s cash-flow.

Have a Reserve Fund

Keep a reserve fund to pay for property maintenance. This includes all planned and unplanned maintenance for your property, especially emergencies.

Even if property damage is caused by a tenant, and they are technically at fault, you will still have to pay for the out of pocket expenses to return the property to a habitual condition.

Your reserve fund should cover emergency property expenses and can also act as a savings account for big ticket property maintenance like replacing the roof, repainting the exterior or replacing a furnace.

Wells Fargo notes that you should expect to spend 1-2% of your house value on property maintenance each year.

• Learn more about Maintenance Expenses for Your Rental Property

Understanding landlord-tenant laws in California and, more specially, in Stockton, by following tenant screening best practices, and having an adequate reserve fund are just a few of the most important steps every landlord must take in order to set themselves up for a profitable investment.

About the Author:  Norbert Huston is the Broker/Realtor of Huston Assoc. Real Estate specializing in residential property management in Stockton and surrounding communities.  Our office is proud to use the RentecDirect software for our clients & residents, which also provides excellent content on a regular basis.

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