Where to advertise for tenant?

[SFM in KY]

We're considering trying to rent the extra cabin here on the farm again. One room with the usual 'amenities', room for dogs, a horse, a couple of goats, a garden, if desired, no shared chores required.

We've tried renter only and work-for-board and room both and the one that seems to work best is someone who is retired, has enough retirement income to live comfortably, own transportation and would like to get away from urban living. Small town 3 miles, bigger town 18 miles.

It isn't a necessity and I'm not sure we will actually go ahead with it, certainly not unless we find what we feel like is a good fit for us ... worked really well when a good friend of mine was living here. She was here for 4 years and we had absolutely no problems but she developed serious allergies to the vegetation and climate here and had to go back 'north'.

We will put out inquiries locally with the feed store, couple of local church members, VFW ... but would welcome suggestions of other options.

[homstdr74]

I wouldn't do it without strong recommendations, and that can only come from ministers, perhaps some friend in law enforcement, etc.

[SFM in KY]

Originally Posted by homstdr74

I wouldn't do it without strong recommendations, and that can only come from ministers, perhaps some friend in law enforcement, etc.

Definitely. We have connections in law enforcement and elsewhere ... some VFW friends with church connections, etc. and the ability to do a 'serious' records check if necessary if it is someone outside the community.

Fortunately it isn't a necessity for us but would rather see the cabin actually being used and useful, if possible, than just sitting there and we've downsized ourselves enough that garden space would be no problem, as well as the possibility for a limited number of other livestock (one horse, a cow, 2 or 3 goats, rabbits, etc.)

[wy_white_wolf]

Senior Center Bulletin Board

[Rosepath]

Maybe you noticed, Kentuckydreamer has a post about looking for a place in KY, not sure if what you have available fits her situation, but maybe you and she could network a bit. Would love input...tired of thinking in circles.
We used to live in KY, beautiful....loved it very much. You are offering someone a very nice possibility for sure, hope it works out just right for all parties.

[AngieM2]

Real Estate forum may help. Or even barter board. Either might help you.

[SFM in KY]

Originally Posted by Rosepath

Maybe you noticed, Kentuckydreamer has a post about looking for a place in KY,

Hadn't noticed the post, but thanks.

Originally Posted by AngieM2

Real Estate forum may help. Or even barter board. Either might help you.

Thanks. Will keep that in mind. Not going to do any active 'looking' until the worst of this cold weather is over ... then we can get organized and start actually putting out some feelers and see what happens.

[Nimrod]

Originally Posted by wy_white_wolf

Senior Center Bulletin Board

Second the senior center. Your ideas on the feed store and church are also good ones.

You want a retired person or couple that will take care of the property, be quiet, and pay the rent on time.

You have to be very very careful not to discriminate against applicants. You MUST treat all the applicants the same. If someone sues you for discrimination it will cost you big bucks to defend yourself, even if you win. If you lose, you will lose the farm.

The easiest way to avoid a lawsuit for discrimination is to advertise where the applicants will be tenants you want. The senior center is a great place. If you advertise in the paper you will get the section 8ers and other welfare recipients. They are more likely to sue you because they get the lawyer for free. I used to advertise for free on Craig's List. I got good applicants but a younger demographic than you are looking for. I don't know how many retirees are computer literate and would see an ad on CL. It could be that the social workers have taught the welfare recipients how to look for housing on CL.

Do have a list of requirements a prospective tenant has to meet to be considered. Include a job history and an amount of income sufficient to pay the rent and other living expenses. Require all prospective tenants to fill out an application that includes permission to run a credit history, unlawful detainer check, and credit check. Have them pay the fee to get these background checks done. The ones that will get a bad report won't fill out the form and pay the fee because they know it will come back bad. This instantly weeds out most of the bad ones. There are companies that will do this for you if they have the prospective tenant's permission in writing.

Make sure that you are paying the utility bills. Set up the lease so that the tenant pays you for the utilities and you pay the bills. If a tenant is paying the bills they could rack up hugh bills and leave them for you. You are responsible and will have to pay them.

Have a penalty for paying the rent late. It may mean you grt the rent on time.

Have a list of rules that the tenant has to follow. Set it up so breaking the rules breaks the lease,

Have a provision in the lease that you get to inspect the premises when you want.

[SFM in KY]

Originally Posted by Nimrod

Require all prospective tenants to fill out an application that includes permission to run a credit history, unlawful detainer check, and credit check. Have them pay the fee to get these background checks done. The ones that will get a bad report won't fill out the form and pay the fee because they know it will come back bad. This instantly weeds out most of the bad ones.

Thanks. Something I'd not considered ... it's been years and years since I had to do any background checks myself. Pre-Internet, in fact.