One of the toughest parts of being a property investor is finding an outstanding tenant to fill your vacancy. What makes an outstanding tenant? The two most important things are that the tenant pays their rent on time and cares for the property as if it were their own.

Considerations for placing a quality tenant in a property is more valuable than even the old adage of location, location, location when investing in the rental housing market. As such, this is one of the most valuable aspects of working with a property management company. A good property management company will find you rock star tenants that will not only pay the monthly expenses on time, but also keep the home looking as nice as it did the day they moved in.

But what do property management companies do to make that dream tenant a reality? We’ve highlighted some of the most important steps a firm can take to protect you and your investment.

The most important aspect to finding a quality renter is the screening process. A reputable property management company will utilize a nationwide screening company to ensure the most qualified candidates are found.

Several factors come into play when screening a potential renter. Things like criminal and sex offender history are good places to start. But beyond that, other items that will be checked include credit history, verify income, check rental history and search for past evictions. By thoroughly researching potential tenants, you can feel confident about the tenants you allow in your home.

Also, by being available to take applications online 24/7, a property management company will be able to swiftly process the applications received and get a quality tenant in your property faster than if you did it yourself.

A reputable property management company will also likely have a marketing department that will utilize as many resources possible to reach potential renters. This is particularly important because quality renters may seek out a reputable company that appears more legitimate rather than work with an individual one on one. With rigorous marketing, quality renters will gravitate toward properties represented by a reputable firm.

A good property management company will always strive to treat tenants with the utmost respect and address their needs swiftly. A tenant should feel that the home they inhabit is more than just a place to hang their hat, they should care for the property as much as if it were their own. Even the best tenant can become disgruntled and less than motivated to care for the property when they feel they are not being treated well and their concerns not addressed.

By working closely with the tenant, a property management company helps to keep the tenant happy and willing to do the little extras that keep up your investment. For many investors it is not possible or practical to build this relationship themselves and by letting a management company take over the work, you can rest assured the tenant will be happy to call your house their home.

Also, keeping a good quality tenant happy in the property means they are more likely to renew, which will keep costs down and keep the steady stream of income from the reliable tenant coming in to you.

Finally, much in the same way that having a sign for a security company outside your home can act as a deterrent to burglary, association with a property management company may deter unqualified renters from applying in the first place. Often, those who cannot meet the rigorous standards set forth by a property management company will seek out individual landlords who may not have the knowledge or resources to help find qualified candidates. When you partner with a property management company, you send the message to potential tenants that you are seeking quality and will not be taken advantage of.