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Landing the right tenant is crucial for landlords in Nova Scotia who are looking to maximize their profits and grow their rental business. A great tenant not only pays rent on time but also takes care of the property, alerts the landlord to maintenance issues in a timely manner, and rents long-term. However, finding and attracting the right tenant can be a difficult process that requires a well-designed strategy and an effective tenant screening solution.

At True Acre Properties, we believe that effective tenant screening is a critical skill that all landlords should possess. In this quick guide, we will provide you with some tips and best practices to help you screen potential tenants and attract quality, long-term renters in the Nova Scotia.

Identify the attributes of a quality tenant before designing your tenant screening process, it’s important to consider the attributes of the kind of tenant you’re looking to attract. A quality tenant possesses several key qualities, such as a stable job, the ability to afford rent without issue, a clean criminal record, great references from other landlords, and a responsible attitude towards the property.

Create a targeted advertisement your tenant screening process should begin with effective marketing. To attract the right kind of tenants, you need to create a targeted rental ad that includes key information about the property, the rent, the amenities, and your leasing policies. By doing this, you can save time on the screening process and attract quality tenants who are a good match for your property.

When creating your rental ad, be sure to include the following information:

1. The amount of rent you are charging.
2. The rental features of the property, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
3. The amenities that set your property apart, such as a quiet neighborhood, a yard, or proximity to nightlife and public transportation.
4. Any other move-in costs, such as a security deposit or a pet fee.
5. Important policies that your lease may contain, such as your pet policy or any restrictions you have in place.

Pre-screen prospects once your marketing campaign has launched, prospective tenants will contact you to inquire about the property. At this stage, it’s important to ask them some key questions to pre-screen them and weed out potential red flags early in the process. You can also meet prospects in person during the showing to get a better sense of their character and suitability as a tenant.

Some important questions to ask prospects during the pre-screening stage include:

1. Why are you moving?
2. When are you looking to move?
3. Does your current landlord know that you’re looking to move out soon?
4. Do you have a job and how much are you making per month?
5. How many people will be living with you?
6. Have you ever been evicted before?
7. Will you provide authorization for credit and background checks?

Verify the prospect’s information once a tenant has provided satisfactory answers at the pre-screening stage, it’s time to require them to fill out a rental application form. One of the first things to verify in the rental application form should be where the prospect is working and how much they are making. This will help you determine whether the tenant is honest about their income and whether their references are telling a consistent story.

Talking with prior landlords is one of the most important steps in screening tenants is to talk with their prior landlords. Current landlords may be motivated to lie in order to get rid of a problem tenant, but prior landlords have no such motivation. Ask about the tenant’s reliability in paying rent, whether they caused any property damage, how they got along with other tenants and neighbors, why they left, and whether the landlord would rent to them again. This information can give you valuable insights into a tenant’s behavior.

Running a credit and background check is a key step in tenant screening is running a comprehensive credit and background check. This can reveal information such as the tenant’s credit score, account history, prior evictions, criminal record, social security number verification, and national sex offender check. You may also want to have a phone conversation with the prospect to get a sense of their personality and communication skills.

Make a final decision once you have gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to make a decision about whether to accept or reject the prospect. If you accept them, be sure to notify them promptly. If you reject them, it’s best to do so in writing to avoid any potential lawsuits. Keep in mind that it’s illegal to reject a prospect on the basis of their race, color, nationality, gender, religion, or any other protected class under the Fair Housing Act.

In conclusion, an effective tenant screening process is a must-have for property owners in Nova Scotia when looking for quality, long-term tenants while protecting your investment.

However, if you find this process daunting, True Acre Properties is here to help. We are a professional and reliable property management company in Nova Scotia that can help you achieve your goals.

Our team of experts can help you with everything from finding the right tenants, collecting rent, and managing maintenance issues, to creating a marketing strategy, increasing profitability, and growing your investment portfolio.

Don’t let tenant screening become a hassle. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve stress-free property management and maximize your rental income. Contact True Acre Properties for professional and reliable property management in Nova Scotia.

When searching for a new place to call home, location is often considered one of the most important factors for renters. However, when properties are located in the same neighborhood, renters may find it difficult to differentiate between the available options. In these situations, the amenities offered by a property can be the key factor that sets it apart from the rest.

Renters are always looking for amenities that provide convenience and improve their quality of life. For this reason, it is crucial for property owners to focus on offering desirable amenities that will make their property more competitive in the rental market. To help landlords understand what renters are looking for, we have put together a list of the most desirable amenities for renters in Nova Scotia.

Adequate Parking Space: This may only be applicable in downtown or highly populated areas, such as Halifax, however, a safe and always accessible place to park a vehicle (ow two) is a must-have for many renters. Renters do not want to be driving around finding a parking space or have their friends or family parking a block and a half away when visiting.

Soundproof Walls: This may only be applicable to multi-unit properties, however, renters need a quiet place to rest after a long day, and soundproof walls can help provide that. Tenants will appreciate the peace and quiet, making properties with soundproof walls more attractive in the rental market. No one wants to hear various and indistinguishable noises coming from neighbours.

Additional Storage Space: Properties with ample storage space are highly rated by renters. For those with many belongings, extra storage space can make a big difference. Property owners can add built-in closets and shelves, or even repurpose unused space such as the basement to provide additional storage options.

Access to Essential Services: The availability of essential services in the neighborhood is a major factor in a renter’s decision-making process. Renters appreciate being able to walk to a nearby store, school, or pharmacy, making properties with easy access to these services more desirable. Nearby access to public transportation is another key aspect many renters would consider a must!

Access to Outdoor Spaces: Outdoor spaces such as balconies, patios, and gardens can provide additional functionality and make a property more attractive. A balcony with a good view or a backyard garden can greatly increase the interest in a property.

A Modern Kitchen: The kitchen is one of the most commonly used areas in a home, and also one of the most noticeable. A contemporary design with modern appliances and durable materials such as granite countertops can make a property more desirable. Rental property owners should consider using easy-to-clean materials and non-slip floor tiles to make the kitchen a safe and comfortable place for renters.

Air Conditioning and Heating Systems: Suitable air conditioning and heating systems provides great comfort to renters, especially during the summer and winter months. The ability to regulate temperature and air quality is important, and renters appreciate the ease of adjusting the temperature to suit their needs.

Additional Amenities: Renters appreciate additional amenities such as heated floors, in-suite laundry, and furnishings. Depending on the size and design of a property, landlords can invest in adding these amenities to make their property more attractive in the rental market.

What’s included? Carefully consider what is going to be included in the monthly rent when you rent your property. Is lawn care and snow removal included? Is electricity and/or water included? What about wi-fi? Is laundry free or paid? What you include (or exclude) in the monthly rent is extremely important! Renters will take these small details into consideration because, as mentioned previously, convience for the tenant is key! If they do not need to mow the lawn, shovel their driveway, havea wifi bill or use a laundromat – that is very convenient for them and will make your property more sought after than others that do not include these amenities with the monthly rent.

In conclusion, finding the right balance of amenities can help make a property irresistible to renters. Renters look for comfort and convenience in the homes they rent, and properties with amenities centered on their needs are more likely to be competitive in the rental market. At True Acre Properties, we have a team of professionals who know and love Nova Scotia, and we are committed to serving our clients and the province we live in. If you need assistance in managing your rental property, contact us!

Properly pricing your rental property in Nova Scotia is a crucial step that requires a lot of careful consideration. To make the most of your investment and avoid financial troubles, it’s essential to set a fair and competitive rental rate that will attract potential tenants and generate enough cash flow to effectively manage the property. At True Acre Properties, we understand the strategies you can use to price your property appropriately, and we’re here to help you make the most of your investment.

Here are some tips to help you determine the right price for your Nova Scotia rental property:

1. Analyze the market to determine the appropriate rent: The first step in pricing your property is to research the local rental market. Focus on rentals that are similar to your property and consider factors such as location, size, age, type of construction, and amenities. Look up advertisements online and carry out in-person market research to get a better understanding of the competition.
2. Consider the amenities: Every rental property is unique, and the amenities it offers can have a significant impact on the rental price. Consider factors such as square footage, view, layout, floor level, upgrades, and extras when determining the right price.
3. Ensure you cover your costs: The rent you set should, at a minimum, cover all of your operational expenses, including your mortgage payment, property upkeep and maintenance, and vacancy fees. Some property investors aim to make a profit of up to 6% of the monthly rent.
4. Keep your bottom line in mind: While it’s important to price your property competitively, it’s equally important to make sure you see a financial gain from the rental each month – it’s a fine balance. If you don’t see a profit, it’s a sign that you may have set the rent too low or too high (vacant rental) or overinvested in the property.

At True Acre Properties, we specialize in providing the best property management services in Nova Scotia. Our team is knowledgeable about the local market and keep a close eye on trends that can impact your bottom line. We take the opinions of actual tenants into consideration when determining the right price for your property, and we’re committed to helping you optimize your rate to attract the ideal tenants.

If you need assistance understanding the market or determining the right price for your rental property, contact True Acre Properties. We’d be happy to help you make the most of your investment.

As a landlord, managing tenant turnover is a crucial part of the rental process. When renters leave or you’ve just purchased a rental property, it’s important to prepare your unit for future property showings by ensuring it’s in top condition and priced competitively. Here are some tips to help you land great renters and minimize vacancies:

1. Market your property effectively: Start advertising your vacancy right away by spreading the word to your network and posting on social media. Use attractive photos and create engaging property descriptions to appeal to potential renters.
   
2. Repair or replace faulty items: Take advantage of the empty property to assess and replace any damaged appliances or furnishings. Check the life expectancy of items and make sure they are in working order.
   
3. Inspect the property: Go over pre-move-in documents to identify any new damages and create a list of estimated repair charges for deductions from the security deposit.
   
4. Hire professional cleaners: Use the services of professional cleaners to ensure your rental is spotless and smelling fresh. In the case of renters leaving the property in poor condition, charge them for cleaning fees.
   
5. Replace the locks: To protect new renters, replace the keys and install new locks or consider using electronic locks for convenience.
   
6. Renovate the property: Add value to your unit through renovations such as repainting, landscaping, creating more storage space, and mold remediation. This can attract new renters and increase rent.
   
7. Address any pest infestation: Pest infestation is a common tenant complaint, so take steps to reduce it by issuing proper trash bins, cleaning routinely, and arranging regular extermination services.

If you have little time to spare and value your freedom, consider hiring a trusted property manager to help with essential property solutions and property management services. Contact True Acre Properties today for more information.

Email: contact@trueacre.ca

Phone: 902-442-0783

As a property owner, it’s important to keep your property well-maintained in order to attract and retain tenants, increase property value, and ensure a safe and comfortable living environment. Here are five tips to help you keep your property in top shape:

1. Regularly inspect the property. Regular inspections are crucial for identifying and addressing any issues before they become major problems. During inspections, check for any visible signs of damage, wear and tear, or safety hazards. Make note of any repairs or maintenance tasks that need to be completed, and schedule them as soon as possible. Check with the laws in your area to see what is required in terms of giving your tenant notice and what your legal rights are when inspecting your property.

2. Perform regular preventative maintenance. Preventative maintenance tasks, such as changing air filters, cleaning gutters, and inspecting roofs, can help prevent potential problems from arising and keep your property in top condition. Create a schedule for performing these tasks and stick to it. Keep your tenants informed of the schedule to make sure there are no surprises.

3. Keep the property clean and tidy. A clean and tidy property is more appealing to tenants and can help to attract new ones. Regularly clean and make sure that any outdoor spaces, such as yards and parking areas, are free of debris.

4. Make repairs and updates as needed. When repairs or updates are needed, it’s important to address them as soon as possible. Not only will this help to keep your property in top condition, but it will also demonstrate to your tenants that you take their living environment seriously. Make sure your hire reputable and professional companies and maintain accurate records of all repairs.

5. Communicate with tenants. Good communication is key when it comes to maintaining a property. Make sure your tenants are aware of any upcoming maintenance tasks or repairs, and encourage them to report any issues or concerns they may have.

By following these tips, you can help keep your property in top shape and ensure a happy and satisfied tenant base. Additionally, it will also help to increase the value of your property in the long run.

At True Acre Properties, we are dedicated to providing exceptional and comprehensive property management services for real estate investors. Whether you’re looking to increase profitability, expand your portfolio, or simply say goodbye to the hassle of DIY management, our property management solutions can benefit your investment properties.

We understand that managing real estate investment properties can be a time-consuming and challenging task. With True Acre Properties, you can say goodbye to the hassle of DIY management and focus on growing your portfolio or increasing profitability.

True Acre Properties offers a wide range of services that can also be customized to your needs.

With True Acre Properties, you can rest assured that your properties are in good hands. We are committed to providing the highest level of service, so you can enjoy the benefits of being a landlord without the stress and headaches. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your investment goals.

As a property owner, one of the most important aspects of maintaining a successful rental business is keeping great tenants. These are tenants who pay their rent on time, take care of the property, and cause minimal disruptions to other tenants. Here are a few tips for maintaining great tenants as a property owner:

1. Screen tenants thoroughly: One of the best ways to ensure that you have great tenants is to screen them thoroughly before allowing them to move in. This should include checking their credit history, employment status, and rental history. This will help you to identify any red flags that might indicate that a tenant is not likely to be a good fit for your property.

2. Communicate effectively: Communication is key when it comes to maintaining great tenants. Make sure that you are available to answer any questions or address any concerns that your tenants may have. This could include providing them with a contact number or email address that they can use to reach out to you. Additionally, make sure to reply promptly to any messages or emails that you receive.

3. Offer incentives: Another way to maintain great tenants is to offer them incentives. This could include offering a discount on rent for tenants who pay on time, or offering a reward for tenants who refer a friend to the property. This will help to create a positive relationship with your tenants and encourage them to continue to take good care of the property.

4. Respond to maintenance requests promptly: Keep your tenants happy by responding to maintenance requests in a timely manner. This will show them that you take their concerns seriously and that you are doing everything you can to keep the property in good condition.

5. Be flexible: Being a property owner doesn’t always mean being strict and inflexible. Be open to discussing the terms of the lease, if your tenant is having a hard time keeping up with payments. Be willing to work with your tenants to come up with a solution that works for both of you.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have great tenants who will take care of your property, pay their rent on time, and cause minimal disruptions to other tenants. Happy tenants lead to a happy property owner, and a profitable rental business.