Finding the right tenant for your property
If you want to rent out an inherited property, you are certainly keen to find a tenant who is not only likeable, but also reliable and conscientious. However, the choice of tenant should be well thought out to avoid problems later on. We'll show you what you need to look out for.
1. why a careful examination is important
Once a tenant has moved into your property, it will be difficult to get rid of them if problems arise. Tenant nomads who do not pay their rent or let the property fall into disrepair can represent a considerable financial and emotional burden for you. A thorough check before signing a contract will protect you from unpleasant surprises.
2 Which documents should you check?
To assess the financial reliability and seriousness of a prospective tenant, you should request the following documents:
- SCHUFA information: Or a credit report from another credit agency.
- Proof of salary: The last three payslips or proof of income for self-employed persons.
- Certificate of freedom from rent arrears: Issued by the previous landlord.
3. tenant self-disclosure
Ask prospective tenants to complete a tenant self-disclosure form before the viewing. This can include the following points:
- Pets
- Number of people moving in
- Further relevant information
Attention: Questions about religion, ethnic origin, age, gender or profession are not permitted and could be interpreted as discrimination.
4. plan targeted viewing appointments
Only invite interested parties to view the property if they are prepared to provide the necessary information and documents. In this way, you avoid unnecessary viewings and concentrate on serious applicants. You should also consider whether you want to carry out the viewings yourself or leave this to an estate agent. An estate agent will be able to make a more neutral judgement and ignore emotional factors such as personal comments on the furnishings or garden.
Conclusion: safety through careful selection
Choosing the right tenant requires patience and precision. A thorough examination of the documents and a structured approach will help you to establish a trusting and long-term tenant relationship.
Get non-binding advice now
Robert Schüßler
Property valuer (EIA and IHK)
Note: This text is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please consult an expert if you have individual questions.
