Real Estate

Collecting Information From Tenants

Finally, you are in charge of the building. You can call yourself “the landlord.” First thing on your checklist is to collect your new tenant’s information; you will need to be able to contact them.

Every single time you talk to your tenants, smile. Never, ever forget to smile.

Collecting tenant information is a smooth process that you do not need to stress about. Always remember that you are in charge, and that you are the boss. However, although you are in charge, it does not mean you must be a jerk. Remember the three F’s: be firm, friendly, and fair.

Carry confidence in your voice and stand erect. Landlords who lack confidence or who are easily intimidated will not find themselves in the right career path; tenants will think they can walk all over you.

Your tenants will like and respect you if you appear to know what you are doing. Having everything under control, or at least, appearing to have everything under control, is one of your most valuable assets. Also, remember to smile!

When you go to ask them for their information, it is easy. Just ask them. There is nothing more to it. Occasionally, you will get a suspicious tenant, who thinks you have some elaborate plan which you just need his information to accomplish. Explain gently the reasons why you need his information to him, and you should get it without problem.

For example, if you are asking for their cell phone or work number, ask them if they would like to be notified if there was a fire or a creep lurking outside their windows.

Let them know that their social security numbers are needed so that you can report their excellent, on-time payments. This information you will need, too, in case you want to check your credit (you should). Also, be sure you are smiling.

If you encounter any resistance, let them know that it is for their own benefit. If they do not want to give out their phone numbers for fear of receiving harassing or telemarketing phone calls, assure them that you will take every precaution you can to keep their number from getting out. And, be sure to smile.

If you just cannot get the information out of them, forget it. It is not worth fighting with them.

Get their information from elsewhere; ask the previous landlord, check with the city, etc. You will be able to gather the rest of their information without much effort from other sources.

Once you have all their information, store it away in a safe place. That was pretty easy, right?

Cody Scholberg, an expert author on property management, has articles at Commercial Property Management Guide, a source of landlording information. Check out this short checklist for commercial property management.

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