A.D. Cantelmo Property Management
Our Business is Property Management in Orange County California
What should Landlords look for in a credit report
The investigation in a Potential Tenants background is vital for Landlords trying to make a decision whether a Tenant is a good fit for a property or not. The first thing that a Landlord does is run a credit report, but what should a Landlord look for. Too often, a Landlord looks to a credit score and while that gives you a piece of the puzzle of a potential Tenants credit history, it is just one piece of that puzzle.
Rental History
After I look at a credit score and I do look at the score first, I want to know if there are any evictions in the rental history of that applicant. I look at evictions first, because as a Property Manager, I understand how difficult it is for a Landlord or Tenant to allow the eviction process to go forward without coming to a more satisfying conclusion. Of course Calling the past Landlords or Property Managers is also a part of the investigation.
Predictability
While being predictable may sound boring, to a Landlord being a predictable is great, especially if predictable means paying your bills on time. I want to see if an applicant pays what they owe and if I see a inconsistent payment history, it shows me that the applicant may have stability problems and that is a red flag. If I see someone who has had problems in the past, but has shown over a period of time to have gotten their act together, I look at that very favorably. Everyone goes through tough times, but I love to see a turn around, because that shows me someone who is working very hard to recover their credibility.
DEBT
The next thing I look at is Debt, I want to know if the applicant is overwhelmed by debt, or do they have manageable debt with regard to their
income. I get very worried when an applicant can barely go see a movie once their bills are paid. It's like I tell people looking to buy a home, you don't want to be house poor. The same goes for Renters.
Accounts
Looking at the accounts that are open, or closed is also interesting. If you see accounts that are open and in good standing then that again goes to predictability and that also goes for closed accounts also. If you see closed accounts that are paid off and closed in good standing, that is great, but if you see closed accounts that have balances, or collections then that is a red flag and will need more investigation.
Public Records
Looking at the public records on the credit report, is also a big part of the investigation. Bankruptcies, Foreclosures and Criminal history will also put more pieces to the puzzle in place.
Once a Landlord reads the Credit report, they may reject the Tenant with the information gained, or they may want explanations from the applicant for any negative issues they find. While the credit report is not the entire puzzle, it does put many pieces of that puzzle in place and it is up to the Landlord to fill in the other pieces.
A.D. Cantelmo Property
Management Specializes in Property Management in Orange County
Ca.