Question for the landlords

I know there's a few people on here that own rental properties (like another house or two, not massive complexes) or rent out a room or basement in their own house. How do you go about screening potential renters? Also, I would assume you have them sign a formal lease and all?

I'm about done refinishing my basement for rental and am going to be making it available. My previous renter was a friend, so we never had a lease, or set time frame or anything.

Just want to make sure I don't get screwed on this.

From a renters side:

Won't sign longer than one year lease, then must be month to month with a 2 month warning to landlord that we are moving.

Will pay security deposit and first months rent; not first, last and security, too much up front for the average renter. Will use my security deposit as last months rent, as landlord inspects house at 11th month. (Of course I always get that to work, as we improve any house we rent).

Yes, you sign lease and I do, separate copies to sign, no photocopies.
Make your provisions in lease.

In Logan, UT, where it is quite Mormon, we get a lot of NS, ND, NP. No smoking, drinking or pets. Fuck that, I stay the hell away from them, as I will break all three rules. Plus if they are that uptight, the renter is scared that deposit money means "gone money".

TAKE PITURES WITH DATES OF YOUR PLACE BEFORE THEY MOVE IN! Evidence. All fixtures, pipes, carpet cleanliness, ......
Ask them to clean carpet before leaving and put in lease. Or you can do it and take out of deposit, but have in lease. Carpet is not cheap.

Screen well or find a good friend and the last place wanted to know our approx income to make sure we can make rent.


Make everything expected as clear as all can be. Ask them their expectations of you too.

my 2 cents, landlords turn.