15 Qualities That Make You A Great Tenant
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15 Qualities That Make You A Great Tenant

Renting an apartment in a competitive place like California takes too much effort. Every landlord seeks a perfect tenant who sticks by the lease terms and creates no problems during the stay.

This must make you wonder how to be a desirable tenant. Well, it starts with a great application and continues throughout the stay until the exit day.

To be a perfect tenant, you must have impressive qualities in your tenant application. Don’t fret; we have got you covered. Going through the post will help you understand what makes you a great tenant and much more.

So what are you waiting for?

Go on and read to know more!

What Do Landlords Look For In A Tenant Application?

Honest Answers:

The renting process starts with a thorough screening process. A landlord likes a tenant who is honest about the personal details, credit issues, and other information in the application form. So it’s better not to lie about:

  • Employment or income
  • Criminal record
  • Reasons for previous evictions

Running background checks and verifications with previous landlords are part of the tenant application process. Hence, faking personal details or sugarcoating about income can give bad first impressions and might lead to rejection.

Ultimately, it is best to be transparent about your past with the property manager or owner to have a fair chance of getting the application approved.

Check out the rental application process and qualifications in California here!

Transparency about Criminal Records:

Landlords and property managers are responsible for keeping their properties and neighborhoods safe. They might reject applications from individuals with criminal records and select those with safe backgrounds.

However, one in five rental applicants has at least one criminal record. This means that around 20% of rental applicants have atleast one criminal case on their record.

According to California tenancy laws, applications with criminal backgrounds cannot be rejected based on their history. Therefore, landlords consider applicants based on the nature, severity, and repetition of the crime.


To make sure the landlord doesn’t overlook your application, provide them with complete details of the crime and conviction. You must not hesitate if they ask to carry out a background verification to ensure their satisfaction.

Generally, owners consider the following things during the application review:

  • When was crime performed?
  • What is the intensity of conviction?
  • Are you a repeat offender?
    Does the person hold a good tenant record?
  • Can the offense impact the tenant’s ability to pay rent?
  • Does the nature of crime put material and life at risk?

Most owners perform background checks through platforms like mysmartmove.com. Remember the verifications are performed at the tenant’s expense.

Having A Good Credit Score:

The nonpayment of the rent does not turn out well and can even lead to eviction. Therefore, property owners/ managers prefer tenants with good credit scores.

What should a good tenant have?

  • A good credit score
  • Timely rent payments
  • No big debts
  • Good credit remarks

A Valid Rental Insurance:

In California, renters insurance is not compulsory by law. However, landlords might prefer applicants who have it.

The owner’s insurance policy does not cover a tenant’s personal property. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the tenant to buy renter insurance that will cover the cost of belongings in case of theft or damage.

Having rental insurance can help you stay on top of what makes you a great tenant. It is worth it as it increases the chances of being selected and brings you peace of mind.

Good History As A Tenant:

A good tenant history goes a long way, especially when applying for a property on rent. However, any misconduct, aggressive behavior, or lease breaches can affect the chances of application approval. Making reference calls to past owners is part of the screening process; thus, any bad remarks from their end might lead to the rejection of tenant applications. This is what a good tenant history looks like:

  • On-time rent payments.
  • Zero evictions and lease breaches.
  • Respectful behavior with the owner and neighbor.
  • No significant property damages.

What Should You Keep In Mind Before Moving In?

Understand The Lease:

A standard lease contains all the information about the rent amount, monthly due date, pet restrictions, duration, property maintenance, and the rights and obligations of each party.

Sometimes, the lease language can contain legal texts that are difficult to understand; thus, it is best to get it checked by your lawyer first or communicate any doubts with the property owner/manager before signing. 

It helps avoid any kind of future disagreement or conflict between the tenant and the property manager. 

Common Lease Questions - Streamline Property Management

Inspect Property Before Moving In:

You must inspect the property before moving in. Otherwise, the expense of unreported property damages might be added to your pocket.
On visiting the accommodation, you must assess the condition, layout, neighborhood, and any surrounding issues and discuss them with the owner. This will save you and your owner from disputes.

Tip: While checking the apartment, try out appliances like the HVAC, showers, taps, etc. Report any repairs and damages to the owner so that they are fixed before you move in.

What Qualities Make A Good Tenant During The Stay?

Relationship With Neighbors:

One of the good tenant qualities is staying respectful to both the owner and the neighbors. This is how a respectful tenant behaves with:

Landlord

Neighbors

Pays rent on time

Respectful and courteous interactions

Communicates with a solution mindset

No late-night noises or frequent guests

Report damages and repairs in a timely

Maintaining good relations 

No complaints from neighbors

Treats everyone equally 

Pays attention to the lease terms

Respecting others privacy

Knowing When To Speak Up:

The tenant must bring any query, damage issue, or repair concern to the notice of the property manager the moment it arises. Speaking without hesitation or delaying prevents damage escalation and saves money. For example, a small kitchen or bathroom leak can become a big problem if not solved on time.

After reporting a neighbor or repair issue, the tenant must patiently wait for the owner or property manager to resolve the matter within the decided timeline. If the problem persists or no action is taken,  you can give a polite reminder and ask for the cause of the delay.

Knowing When To Speak Up

Staying For Long Term Or As Per Lease:

A long-term tenant means stability and constant income for the owner. In case of early lease termination without any notice, the tenant sometimes needs to pay penalties, as they are leaving the owner high and dry.
On the other hand, extending the lease secures the interests of both parties without any inconvenience. To be a good tenant, you must try to live in a property as long as possible to maintain your record. Try not to breach the lease midway unless it is really important.

Treating The Property As Your Own:

A good tenant takes pride in the ownership of an accommodation and treats it as their own. This benefits the tenant with a complete payback of the security amount and a positive landlord recommendation for future rental applications.

It is important to note that minor wear and tear are acceptable during a stay, but bigger damages will cause a deduction of the repair amount from your security.

Agreeing to Take Responsibility For Pets:

Let’s not deny that pets can wreak havoc when left alone. Therefore, a perfect tenant is expected to take responsibility for the actions of their pets. What you should do as a good tenant:

  • Give pet descriptions and photos during the application process.
  • Read the pet policy and pay a one-time pet deposit.
  • Get the pet vaccinated on time.
  • No wandering and littering in restricted areas.
  • Own the pets that are legal to keep.

Keeping The Property Clean:

When asked what landlords look for in a tenant, the best answers include keeping the rental clean. A good tenant ensures no pest or mold infestation is left untreated. After all, a clean and hygienic space maintains its value in the market while keeping you healthy. So, promptly dispose of the garbage and check for repairs and other issues regularly.

Not Having Any Secret Roommates:

The general rule of occupancy in California is “ Two plus One.”  It means only two people can live in a bedroom, with an additional person in the living space (i.e., five people can live in a two-bedroom apartment)

Secondly, each family member living in the space must be listed on the lease. Additionally, the owner must be informed about long-term guest stays to avoid any confusion.

This means you cannot sublet your property to anyone else without meeting the above conditions. 

Making The Exit Process Prompt And Respectful:

Whether a tenant is moving out at the end of the lease term or in between, it is best to exit legally and peacefully. As per the lease, give your owner a 30-day notice to help them find your replacement while you move out.

In addition to removing personal belongings, tenants must leave a clean and tidy apartment. Leaving any mess or damage behind can delay the entry of the next party, causing deductions from your security amount.

Takeaway:

A good tenant deserves good accommodation, and we are here to help you make that match happen. Streamline Property Management offers the best leasing and property management solutions in California.

From handling the application process to screening, background checks, rent collection, and lease breaches, we are there to handle everything. We know how to find the best tenants for a property. With our 30 years of professional experience as property managers, we serve as the best interface between owner and tenant.

Whether you are a tenant with a question about pet policies or budget limits or an owner looking to make renting hassle-free, contact us today!
Tenants can use the forms and links available on our website to raise repair or maintenance requests, solve accounting issues, and pay rent online.

15 Qualities That Make You A Great Tenant

Renting an apartment in a competitive place like California takes too much effort. Every landlord seeks a perfect tenant who sticks by the lease terms and creates no problems during the stay.

This must make you wonder how to be a desirable tenant. Well, it starts with a great application and continues throughout the stay until the exit day.

To be a perfect tenant, you must have impressive qualities in your tenant application. Don’t fret; we have got you covered. Going through the post will help you understand what makes you a great tenant and much more.

So what are you waiting for?

Go on and read to know more!

What Do Landlords Look For In A Tenant Application?

Honest Answers:

The renting process starts with a thorough screening process. A landlord likes a tenant who is honest about the personal details, credit issues, and other information in the application form. So it’s better not to lie about:

  • Employment or income
  • Criminal record
  • Reasons for previous evictions

Running background checks and verifications with previous landlords are part of the tenant application process. Hence, faking personal details or sugarcoating about income can give bad first impressions and might lead to rejection.

Ultimately, it is best to be transparent about your past with the property manager or owner to have a fair chance of getting the application approved.

Check out the rental application process and qualifications in California here!

Transparency about Criminal Records:

Landlords and property managers are responsible for keeping their properties and neighborhoods safe. They might reject applications from individuals with criminal records and select those with safe backgrounds.

However, one in five rental applicants has at least one criminal record. This means that around 20% of rental applicants have atleast one criminal case on their record.

According to California tenancy laws, applications with criminal backgrounds cannot be rejected based on their history. Therefore, landlords consider applicants based on the nature, severity, and repetition of the crime.


To make sure the landlord doesn’t overlook your application, provide them with complete details of the crime and conviction. You must not hesitate if they ask to carry out a background verification to ensure their satisfaction.

Generally, owners consider the following things during the application review:

  • When was crime performed?
  • What is the intensity of conviction?
  • Are you a repeat offender?
    Does the person hold a good tenant record?
  • Can the offense impact the tenant’s ability to pay rent?
  • Does the nature of crime put material and life at risk?

Most owners perform background checks through platforms like mysmartmove.com. Remember the verifications are performed at the tenant’s expense.

Having A Good Credit Score:

The nonpayment of the rent does not turn out well and can even lead to eviction. Therefore, property owners/ managers prefer tenants with good credit scores.

What should a good tenant have?

  • A good credit score
  • Timely rent payments
  • No big debts
  • Good credit remarks

A Valid Rental Insurance:

In California, renters insurance is not compulsory by law. However, landlords might prefer applicants who have it.

The owner’s insurance policy does not cover a tenant’s personal property. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the tenant to buy renter insurance that will cover the cost of belongings in case of theft or damage.

Having rental insurance can help you stay on top of what makes you a great tenant. It is worth it as it increases the chances of being selected and brings you peace of mind.

Good History As A Tenant:

A good tenant history goes a long way, especially when applying for a property on rent. However, any misconduct, aggressive behavior, or lease breaches can affect the chances of application approval. Making reference calls to past owners is part of the screening process; thus, any bad remarks from their end might lead to the rejection of tenant applications. This is what a good tenant history looks like:

  • On-time rent payments.
  • Zero evictions and lease breaches.
  • Respectful behavior with the owner and neighbor.
  • No significant property damages.

What Should You Keep In Mind Before Moving In?

Understand The Lease:

A standard lease contains all the information about the rent amount, monthly due date, pet restrictions, duration, property maintenance, and the rights and obligations of each party.

Sometimes, the lease language can contain legal texts that are difficult to understand; thus, it is best to get it checked by your lawyer first or communicate any doubts with the property owner/manager before signing. 

It helps avoid any kind of future disagreement or conflict between the tenant and the property manager. 

Common Lease Questions - Streamline Property Management

Inspect Property Before Moving In:

You must inspect the property before moving in. Otherwise, the expense of unreported property damages might be added to your pocket.
On visiting the accommodation, you must assess the condition, layout, neighborhood, and any surrounding issues and discuss them with the owner. This will save you and your owner from disputes.

Tip: While checking the apartment, try out appliances like the HVAC, showers, taps, etc. Report any repairs and damages to the owner so that they are fixed before you move in.

What Qualities Make A Good Tenant During The Stay?

Relationship With Neighbors:

One of the good tenant qualities is staying respectful to both the owner and the neighbors. This is how a respectful tenant behaves with:

Landlord

Neighbors

Pays rent on time

Respectful and courteous interactions

Communicates with a solution mindset

No late-night noises or frequent guests

Report damages and repairs in a timely

Maintaining good relations 

No complaints from neighbors

Treats everyone equally 

Pays attention to the lease terms

Respecting others privacy

Knowing When To Speak Up:

The tenant must bring any query, damage issue, or repair concern to the notice of the property manager the moment it arises. Speaking without hesitation or delaying prevents damage escalation and saves money. For example, a small kitchen or bathroom leak can become a big problem if not solved on time.

After reporting a neighbor or repair issue, the tenant must patiently wait for the owner or property manager to resolve the matter within the decided timeline. If the problem persists or no action is taken,  you can give a polite reminder and ask for the cause of the delay.

Knowing When To Speak Up

Staying For Long Term Or As Per Lease:

A long-term tenant means stability and constant income for the owner. In case of early lease termination without any notice, the tenant sometimes needs to pay penalties, as they are leaving the owner high and dry.
On the other hand, extending the lease secures the interests of both parties without any inconvenience. To be a good tenant, you must try to live in a property as long as possible to maintain your record. Try not to breach the lease midway unless it is really important.

Treating The Property As Your Own:

A good tenant takes pride in the ownership of an accommodation and treats it as their own. This benefits the tenant with a complete payback of the security amount and a positive landlord recommendation for future rental applications.

It is important to note that minor wear and tear are acceptable during a stay, but bigger damages will cause a deduction of the repair amount from your security.

Agreeing to Take Responsibility For Pets:

Let’s not deny that pets can wreak havoc when left alone. Therefore, a perfect tenant is expected to take responsibility for the actions of their pets. What you should do as a good tenant:

  • Give pet descriptions and photos during the application process.
  • Read the pet policy and pay a one-time pet deposit.
  • Get the pet vaccinated on time.
  • No wandering and littering in restricted areas.
  • Own the pets that are legal to keep.

Keeping The Property Clean:

When asked what landlords look for in a tenant, the best answers include keeping the rental clean. A good tenant ensures no pest or mold infestation is left untreated. After all, a clean and hygienic space maintains its value in the market while keeping you healthy. So, promptly dispose of the garbage and check for repairs and other issues regularly.

Not Having Any Secret Roommates:

The general rule of occupancy in California is “ Two plus One.”  It means only two people can live in a bedroom, with an additional person in the living space (i.e., five people can live in a two-bedroom apartment)

Secondly, each family member living in the space must be listed on the lease. Additionally, the owner must be informed about long-term guest stays to avoid any confusion.

This means you cannot sublet your property to anyone else without meeting the above conditions. 

Making The Exit Process Prompt And Respectful:

Whether a tenant is moving out at the end of the lease term or in between, it is best to exit legally and peacefully. As per the lease, give your owner a 30-day notice to help them find your replacement while you move out.

In addition to removing personal belongings, tenants must leave a clean and tidy apartment. Leaving any mess or damage behind can delay the entry of the next party, causing deductions from your security amount.

Takeaway:

A good tenant deserves good accommodation, and we are here to help you make that match happen. Streamline Property Management offers the best leasing and property management solutions in California.

From handling the application process to screening, background checks, rent collection, and lease breaches, we are there to handle everything. We know how to find the best tenants for a property. With our 30 years of professional experience as property managers, we serve as the best interface between owner and tenant.

Whether you are a tenant with a question about pet policies or budget limits or an owner looking to make renting hassle-free, contact us today!
Tenants can use the forms and links available on our website to raise repair or maintenance requests, solve accounting issues, and pay rent online.

15 Qualities That Make You A Great Tenant

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