As a property owner, finding a potential tenant on your own can feel like a win. Perhaps it’s a friend of a friend, a coworker, or someone who responded to a social media post. When you bring a property to Byrd Property Management, it’s common to tell us, "I already have a tenant lined up."
We understand the desire to fill a vacancy quickly. However, our commitment to protecting your investment means we cannot bypass the most critical step of the management process: Professional Screening.
Why We Screen "Your" Tenant
When we take over the management of a vacant property, we assume the responsibility for its long-term success. A tenant who doesn't meet standard qualifications is statistically more likely to result in late payments, property damage, or the need for a costly eviction.
To ensure your property is in good hands, every applicant—even those referred by the owner—must go through our standard rental process. This includes:
- Credit Check: We look for a score of 620 or better.
- Income Verification: We require proof of gross monthly income that is at least 3x the monthly rent.
- Landlord References: We contact previous property managers or landlords to verify payment history and lease compliance.
What Happens if They Don’t Pass?
This is where things can get tricky. If a tenant you’ve found fails to meet these criteria, we will provide you with a clear report of why they were declined.
As a professional management firm, we operate under strict Fair Housing guidelines and internal risk management policies. If an owner insists on placing a tenant who has failed our screening process, we must respectfully decline to manage the property.
Why We Take This Stand
It isn’t about being difficult; it’s about professional integrity. If we start a management relationship by ignoring our own proven safety standards, we aren't setting you—or the tenant—up for success. Our reputation is built on placing high-quality residents who stay longer and take better care of the homes they live in.
By sticking to our 620+ credit and 3x income requirements, we ensure that your "hand-picked" tenant is truly a qualified resident who will treat your investment with the respect it deserves.
