Question: What is the general process a landlord has to take when conducting a background check of a potential tenant?
Answer: If the applicant seems like a fit there, first call their references — even the personal references.
PROFILE
Camille Naluai-Rios
>> Title: Real estate agent
>> Company: Faith Naluai Realty
>> Age: 37
>> Education: B.A. in journalism from University of Hawaii at Manoa
>> Email: Camillenaluai realtor@gmail.com
>> Website: hothomesin hawaii.com
It’s important to have a standardized application form authorizing the landlord to run a background check, and it’s very important to contact any previous landlords, employers and references. The names and numbers of these references should be provided on your rental application. You might want to ask the previous landlord if they paid their rent on time, do they bounce checks, do they have a dog (important to know if your home is a no-pet home) and did they get along with the neighbors.
You should definitely try to meet these people in person. If you are not on island, you do need someone here on island representing you.
Get your property ready to be a rental. Have any house rules available for the next occupant. Have the home professionally cleaned so the tenant knows when they move out this is what we expect.
Once the tenant moves in, be sure to have the tenant put any utilities in their name. Be sure your insurance is adequate. Have them sign a property condition form. Take pictures of your appliances and of the home in general. If you have a yard, I recommend having a professional yard man or landscaper come by, especially if you live in an area with strict yard care rules.
Q: What do you need from the tenant?
A: Tenants should bring a valid ID and cash for any application fee.
Q: What is a typical application fee an owner should charge?
A: Our application fee pays for the background check. They normally run about $25 but can be more if more information is requested.
Q: What are the best resources to use when a homeowner background-checks a renter?
A: The state has public-access websites that will show if a tenant has been through formal eviction proceedings. (As a licensed real estate firm, we have access to websites that the public might not be able to use.)
There is Hoohiki — hoohiki1.courts.state.hi.us/jud/Hoohiki/main.htm — which can show if the applicant has ever been through formal eviction proceedings.
Q: Are these resources free?
A: Depending on the amount of research you want to do on an applicant, it can cost $25 and up.
Q: What are other helpful ways to background-check someone online?
A: A Google search is great. You should also check social media.
Q: Is social media useful?
A: I don’t do a lot of social media or Google searches, but they can be useful if a person doesn’t have credit history. This may be someone who just moved out of their parents’ home or are from another country.
Q: Any additional advice for landlords looking for the right tenant?
A: Don’t be in a hurry, but do your checks right away. The best applicants will get picked up by someone quickly. You want a tenant who takes care of the property and will let you know when something needs fixing. Summer season is moving season. There will be a lot of people looking for rentals and getting their homes ready for rent. So price right to get the best applicant.
