Category / Renter

by Properly

Properly’s Applicant Screening Reports

Applicant Screening

In a prior article, Why Renters Should Run Their Own Credit Reports, we explained the benefits of renters running their own reports as part of the applicant screening process. The primary concerns we received as feedback from readers was the possibility of the reports being outdated or fraudulent. These concerns are certainly valid in cases where the renter is hand-delivering, emailing, or faxing a report to the landlord. The recipient landlord wouldn’t be able to confirm when the report was run and that the information has not been changed.

At Properly, we spent a great deal of effort developing an applicant screening process that is simple to use but more importantly, safe and secure. Here’s how we plan to handle this essential step of the application process.

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by Properly

6 Considerations For Your Next Rental Home

Considerations for next rental home pic3

What are your considerations for your next rental home?

Definitely the rent amount and number of bedrooms. Perhaps whether there is a doorman or elevators. Maybe the proximity to public transportation or to your favorite restaurants and bars. These are factors that typically pop into renters’ minds. However, there are other qualities that may not be as obvious but can negatively impact the living experience. This is something I know firsthand.

I’ve lived in New York City for 8 years in 3 different neighborhoods – Harlem, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. My first apartment in Harlem was a pretty poor experience. The reason was because I had no idea what to look for when apartment hunting. I knew my budget and I was searching with two roommates so I knew we needed a 3 bedroom apartment. Those were essentially my only considerations. I ended up moving after a year. My second apartment was an improvement but there were negatives there as well. Learning from these negative experiences helped me find my current apartment which I consider to be an ideal fit.

As I reflected on my rental history, I focused on identifying the key negative qualities that contributed to my decisions to move out of the first and second apartments. Of course, such considerations will differ from person to person. Hopefully these examples will help get you thinking outside the box on what really matters to you when making a decision on your next home.

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by Properly

Why Renters Should Run Their Own Credit Reports

Renters should run their own credit reports and why it is beneficial for both the landlord and the renter

Applicant credit post

Traditionally, when a renter applies for a rental listing, he or she fills out an application and provides personal information such as a social security number (SSN) to the landlord. The landlord would then take that data to a credit reporting service to run the applicant’s report.

Now, think about how unsecure and unsafe that process is.

The renter is handing over his/her most personal and confidential information to a landlord who, in many cases, is a total stranger.

The landlord is responsible for safekeeping the renter’s private information. Improper handling and protection of this information can result in identity theft (the #1 crime in America affecting 15 million victims a year). In such an occurrence, the landlord could be held liable.

There is a better way! Renters should run their own credit reports and why it is beneficial for both the landlord and the renter:

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by Properly

7 Ways to Make Your Landlord Appreciate You

Happy Landlord = Peaceful Living

Great tenants know landlords want to retain them. This means that when lease renewals come around, they are more likely to be able to negotiate favorable terms.

As a renter, by making an effort to get your landlord to appreciate you, you not only set yourself up to save money on the next lease but you also develop a peaceful and stress-free relationship with your landlord.

Here are 7 ways to make your landlord appreciate you:

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