Afraid of Renting to a Professional Tenant Who Won’t Pay Rent?

HERE'S HOW TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

I’ve been a landlord since 2000 and I have seen so many changes that are affecting landlords in Ontario. I don’t like or agree with these changes and have spoken about them on CBC and CTV and in council chambers. I’ve written about this on my website blogs: https://realwealthrealestate.com/

My focus has always been on not even allowing a professional tenant into my property in the first place. How do I do that? By the very questions I ask on the phone call I have with tenants. You as a landlord need to become your own champion and remember, you are always in control of your property, not matter what the government says.

What do I mean by that??? It’s not letting them in your front door to begin with. Up until the time they enter your home, you’re in control, after that you’re not in control, according to the government!! Well I see it differently. If you get 5-Star Tenants, like I do all the time now, then I’m still in control.

Education is the key to these differences between landlords. Too many landlords aren’t educated about real estate and don’t understand that their most precious asset is their income property! This is your way to your future intergenerational wealth.

I have paid thousands of $ to learn, I found great mentors and coaches, took courses, etc. I’m still learning now in 2025! What about you, what are you doing to educate yourself about being a great landlord, and real estate investor? You will learn by either spending money on education, or you will lose money trying to get rid of bad tenants. The choice is yours. Join my upcoming Landlord Bootcamp: for training: https://forms.gle/LmkeFsLUKhQFRxtRA

As a landlord, your worst nightmare might be renting to a "professional tenant" - someone who knows how to game the system, avoid paying rent, and make your life miserable. These savvy manipulators can cause significant financial and emotional stress, leaving a trail of unpaid rent and property damage in their wake. But don't worry, with the right knowledge and strategies, you can safeguard your rental property and enjoy the rewards of being a responsible landlord.

Here’s your video on Steps to Take so That You’re Not Renting to a Professional Tenant:

Understanding the Professional Tenant

Professional tenants are not your average problematic renters. They're individuals who have mastered the art of exploiting legal loopholes and tenant rights to their advantage. These rental gamesters often present themselves as ideal tenants initially, but their true colors emerge once they've secured the lease.

Some telltale signs of a professional tenant include extensive knowledge of rental laws and regulations, a history of evictions or frequent moves, and offering to pay rent in cash to expedite the leasing process. They might also present convincing sob stories to appeal to your emotions.

The Costly Impact of Professional Tenants

The financial toll of renting to a professional tenant can be staggering. One recent case involved landlords who rented to tenants who seemed perfect on paper. Within months, these tenants stopped paying rent, caused over $10,000 in damages, and delayed the eviction process, leaving the property vacant for an additional month.

Strategies to Protect Your Rental Property

Implementing thorough tenant screening is the most effective way to avoid professional tenants. This process should include credit checks, criminal background searches, eviction history reviews, and income and employment verification. It's far easier to turn down a professional tenant during the application process than to evict them once a lease is signed.

Rigorously verifying income and employment is also crucial. Don't just accept pay stubs or employer letters at face value. Use technology to connect directly to the tenant's bank account for income verification, eliminating concerns about fake documentation.

Be wary of red flags during the application process. Pay attention to applicants who seem overly familiar with rental laws, have a history of frequent moves or evictions, offer elaborate excuses for past rental issues, or pressure you to rush the leasing process.

Develop lease agreements that clearly outline all terms, conditions, and expectations. Include clauses that address potential issues professional tenants might exploit. Implement and enforce strict rent collection policies, and consider using online payment systems that provide a clear paper trail of all transactions.

Regular property inspections can help you identify and address issues early, preventing professional tenants from using minor problems as excuses to withhold rent.

The Bottom Line

While the threat of professional tenants is real, it's not insurmountable. By implementing these strategies and remaining vigilant throughout the tenant selection and management process, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these rental system exploiters.

Remember, owning a rental property is a business. Don't let emotions guide your decisions, and always prioritize protecting your investment. With the right approach, you can enjoy the benefits of being a landlord while keeping professional tenants at bay.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and happy renting!

Cheers

Maria Rekrut