As a landlord in Murrells Inlet, you must know that the challenge lies not in finding a tenant, but in finding the right one.
There are plenty of warm bodies willing to move into your rental home. But, you want a qualified tenant who can be trusted. A solid tenant can mean years of consistent income, peace of mind, and a well-maintained property. The wrong tenant, though, can result in missed rent payments, costly damages, and stressful evictions. The difference between the two often comes down to your tenant screening process.
There’s a good chance you already know what to look for. Smart landlords understand the importance of credit, income, and rental history.
But there’s more to it than that. We’re sharing our most critical best practices for landlords in Murrells Inlet: verifying all information provided on an application, and making a genuine effort to get to know your potential tenant. These are the smartest steps you can take, and before we dive into specifics, we’ll provide an important reminder: complying with fair housing laws during the screening process is a non-negotiable. This is essential.
Always Verify the Information Provided
It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often landlords skip the verification of a tenant’s answers on the application. It’s especially easy to understand that everything is in order when a tenant seems trustworthy or comes with a generally easygoing vibe.
While trusting your gut is valuable, facts should always back it up. Verification protects you, your property, and your investment.
- Income and Employment
Don’t just accept what a tenant says they earn. Verify employment directly by calling the employer listed. Ask for the applicant’s position, length of employment, and salary. Most reputable companies are used to receiving verification calls and will have a procedure for releasing this information. You can also ask for pay stubs to verify income, as well as bank statements and tax records.
- Previous Rental History
We recommend that you contact previous landlords. Ask if the tenant paid rent on time, took care of the property, and left on good terms. Don’t just ask the most recent landlord, because they might be eager to offload a bad tenant. Call one or two landlords back if possible. Also, cross-check the addresses on the application with those on a credit report or background check. Discrepancies can be a red flag that some information is being hidden.
- Credit and Background Checks
A credit report provides insights into how a tenant handles financial obligations. While a perfect score isn’t necessary, you want to see responsible behavior, like paying bills on time and not maxing out credit cards.
Run a background check to identify any criminal history. In South Carolina, you can check public court records for evictions and criminal charges. Keep in mind that not all offenses are disqualifying, but consistent or serious issues should give you pause.
- ID Verification
Make sure you check a government-issued ID to confirm the tenant’s identity. This step can prevent fraud and ensure you’re dealing with the actual applicant, not someone using a false name.
Take Time to Get to Know the Applicant
Verification is the foundation, but developing a real understanding of who your tenant is goes a long way in building a solid landlord-tenant relationship. Murrells Inlet is a tight-knit community, and long-term leases benefit from a sense of mutual respect and transparency.
It’s easy to do everything online, especially if you’re set up for self-showings and digital lease signings. But, a simple face-to-face meeting, even just for 15–20 minutes, can reveal a lot about a potential tenant. Do they show up on time? Are they polite and prepared? Are they asking intelligent questions about the lease or the home? Use the opportunity to ask open-ended and legally permitted questions such as:
- Why are you moving?
- What do you like about this area?
- How long do you plan to stay?
- What are you looking for in a landlord?
You cannot approve or deny a tenant based on how you feel about them. That’s a recipe for a fair housing claim. But, once you’ve approved a tenant, it never hurts to get the relationship going by asking questions and seeking more information.
Be Consistent and Legal
Whatever your process, make sure it’s consistent across all applicants. This protects you from accusations of discrimination and ensures fairness. South Carolina landlords must comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. Always screen based on facts, not assumptions or stereotypes.
Use a Written Rental Application
Always require a completed rental application. This creates a paper trail, allows you to collect all necessary details in one place, and sets the expectation that this is a professional business arrangement.
You can find South Carolina-specific rental applications online or consult a local real estate attorney to draft a customized version.
Don’t rush through tenant screening.
It can be tempting to get someone moved in quickly, especially during high-demand times like summer. But filling your unit a week sooner is never worth dealing with a bad tenant for the next 12 months.
Give yourself time to process applications, verify information, and make an informed decision. If you need help managing this process, consider working with a local property manager familiar with the Murrells Inlet rental market. That would be us, at J & P Unlimited.
By verifying all application information and making the effort to get to know your tenants before handing over the keys, you dramatically increase your chances of a successful, long-term rental relationship. The extra effort upfront leads to fewer headaches, better communication, and higher returns in the long run.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or want an extra layer of protection, consider partnering with a team like ours. We can handle everything from marketing your unit to intensive tenant screening, ensuring the right resident is placed. Contact us at J & P Unlimited. We manage investment properties in Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Socastee and the surrounding areas.
