The Best And Worst Types Of Tenants

The thing about finding good tenants is that it’s all about odds. Granted, you have to be one assuming son-of-a-bitch and play the game of odds. For example, the odds of getting trouble from an employed professional worker compared to an unemployed bum are extremely slim. Of course, that won’t always be the case, but they are the odds.

In some cases, it may even be worth keeping a property empty longer than planned, just to get the shoes filled with the idealistic tenants (if there is such a thing). A lot of landlords make the mistake of failing to screen their tenants with a “quality check” because they just want their property filled as quickly as possible, consequently they accept the first applicant that shows interest! There’s nothing wrong with that, but I’d rather play with the odds on my side, because a quality tenant is more likely going to save me more money in the long run.

Right, so I’ve put together a list of common tenancy statuses, and put them order of desirability(red hot being the most desirable). I haven’t covered all possible scenerios because the list could be potentiality endless, but I think I’ve covered quite a bit of ground. Please note, I’m basing this list on personal experience, generalisations and common sense. As I’ve mentioned several times, it’s all about odds. Let me know how it compares to your list…

STATUS	DESCRIPTION	EXPLAINATION
	Established couple, Both employed	This is by far the most desirable tenancy status. Established couples (together for at least 5yrs) are more durable than newly established couples. Both are employed meaning two avenues of income. I’m always aiming to grab me a bag full of tenants in this situation.
	Single, Employed/Good Pension/Good Benefits, Elderly	I hate to be ageist, but unfortunately it’s the way of the world. An elderly individual are typically tame and accommodating- they just want a simple life. I currently have 2 tenants that come under this status- I’ve never had a problem!
	Established couple, One working professional	For the reason mentioned already- established couples are durable. Stability is highly desirable as it signifies responsibility and commitment. It’s not ideal that only person out of the two is employed, but it isn’t the end of the world. And with one being a professional worker, there’s little chance of any financial breakdown.
	Single, employed as professional	“Employed professional” employment status is key, because you know they carry some sense of intelligence and earn enough to pay the bills. So why does “single and employed” rank lower than “couple and one employed”? Simple, the professional, single worker has less of a commitment, so may find it easier to walk away.
	Fresh couple, Both employed	New couples are always looking to take things to the next stage in their relationship, and what better way to show commitment than living under the same roof? Obviously, it’s a good thing that they’re both employed. But newly formed couples have a high seperation rate. I hate to admit it, but even a few of my friends have broken up with their partners and caused problems for landlords.
	Fresh couple, One employed	Now we’re really starting to creep into the danger zone. Anyone thinking about taking on this kind of tenancy status likes to live on the edge. As mentioned, newly formed couples have a high break up rate. And with only one being employed, it’s easy for them to fall into financial crisis.
	Young, Single, employed	With an average labouring job and no sense of commitment, it’s extremely easy for a tenant to go AWOL.
	Single/Couple, Reliant on social benefits (DSS)	I personally wouldn’t go this low down the chain, because i’ve been there and it’s been nothing but trouble. DSS tenants are not worth the hassle. And let me clarify, it has nothing to do with the individuals on benefits themselves, it’s more to the point how badly the government handle DSS tenants for landlords. For further details on why I think DSS tenants suck, go here DSS Tenants And The Council.
	Student(s)	In popular student cities landlords are making a killing with letting property to studentsbut they come with their fairshare of stress. Most students go to University for one reason, and it sure as hell ain’t to learn. The odds of finding respectable students that will pay the bills on time and look after your property aren’t great. Secondly, with students, the landlord is usually required to actually make regular inspections just to make sure the walls are still standing. Thirdly, students tyoically change accommodation on an annual basis, meaning they’re short-term solutions.
	Single/couple, Unemployed	No benefits, no job, and no hope. Forget about it.

Attention! If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed so you're notified of all new blog entries.

Talk / 6 Comments left so far

Alan Blacksmith wrote this on 2009-03-01 04:19:50 I don't think my responsibility as a landlord is only to take care of my economic interests, but I belive I should take care of society as well since I am part of it.

If I refuse to accept students, singles, or the unemployed then who is going to provide them with a home? Some of them may end up homeless, and if I see a homeless person in the street I will be thinking that I am part of this social problem. I don't like this, so I don't refuse people based on stereotypes. 1

shan maih wrote this on 2009-07-07 22:01:15 yep shit happens i agree its not easy being lanlord esp wen they block the toilet mess with rent etc.things dont go according plan. reading from your tips and article you have to be a lucky son of a bitch like you. to have a good tenats who pay rent on time is the best friend of lanlord and thats the most difficult part of tennancy searching for one even if you do find one you still have to keep your finger cross. finding that whether tenant is working or not working is not question the main thing is your providing them a roof over their heads the best ones deserve the best from you 2

Peter wrote this on 2010-02-06 11:15:54 Well, when I was put in a horrible life situation, and I had to deal with a landlord, I fell under "Established couple One working professional" category, though guess what I sued the Landlord for Damages when they "added the unit" and I could smell paint! You guys better off with Ignorant, above all. You are Parasites nothing else. Beware of People. 3

somebody wrote this on 2010-08-31 20:59:16 Your list is utter hogwash, based on flimsy stereotypes that don't hold up in real life. Students don't go to school to learn? Bullshit. You may THINK they all go to party, but take your greedy stereotyping cap off for a minute and do some research; you'll find that partying isn't as prevelant as you'd think. 4

The Landlord wrote this on 2010-08-31 23:03:40 Calm down. Everything is going to be ok. There's one easy way to prove I'm right and you're wrong (and you're acting like a wheeping bitch for no reason).

If you were a landlord (I'm assuming you're not), and you had a choice between these 3 types of tenants:

1: students
2: a couple, both working professionals (doctors)
3: an unemployed male receiving benefits

Rearrange that list in order of desirability. Most desirable being first.

The order would be 2,1,3, correct? Every sane landlord on the planet would choose that order. That's all I'm really saying here. I'm not saying it's an exact science, and I'm not saying the professionals will never cause more problems than the unemployed. I'm just saying the odds are the unemployed would make worse tenants :)

Yeah, so actually, I'm right, you're wrong, and you're crying over nothing. 5

Twattybollocks wrote this on 2010-09-01 08:36:06 @somebody - what planet are you on? Of course they all go to party.

OK some party more than others but they all do it especially in the first and second years. I went to Uni (poly) SPECIFICALLY to party and happened to get a qualification at the end and I know I am not the only one so before you start harping on about doing some research I suggest you do the same.

I suggest you go to any UNI town between now and Christmas and tell me there is not partying going on!

TB 6

Please leave a comment

Click here to cancel reply.

*Name

*Email Address

*Your comment

Notify me via email when someone else leaves a comment