Landlord Question and Answer Forum

I will be renting out my mothers condo in the next 6 weeks. This will be the first time I have rented a property. I have a few questions... Is the $25 to $35 application fee non-refundable and is it used to do a background check online? Do we need to notify the mortgage company that we will be renting out her condo? Do you typically have the renter mail the rent check directly to you? I appreciate any advice!

To answer your questions: 1) yes the application fee is non-refundable unless you never actually run a background check on the person in which case you should give it back. 2) No you don't need to notify the mortgage company that you are renting out the place. However you do want to get a landlord's insurance policy from your insurance company. 3) Yes, the renter can mail the check to you, or drop it off. Depends on your preference.

Posted by Dawn A, WI on Friday, March 8, 2013

Thanks so much for the reply Dawn!

Posted by Christy F, TN on Monday, March 11, 2013

There are other options as well such as, http://www.Myscreeningreport.com. There are no fees (to the landlord) associated with their services. In their model, the applicant requests the report and then pays for it. Once it is retrieved, they simply give you, the landlord, permission to see it. It is safe, secure, not modifiable and is state of the art when it comes to tenant screening.

Posted by Skip L, WA on Thursday, March 14, 2013

What is the exact process to have a tenant? I am a first time landlord and I want to make sure that I do things in order. Thanks!

Posted by Lucy R, MD on Sunday, June 30, 2013

Make sure to screen the tenant before renting out an apartment. I use tenant screening services from Lone Star Realty, they check criminal record, previous eviction and credit history.

Posted by Adam C, TX on Wednesday, November 6, 2013