The 6 Rules I Use to Eliminate Bad Tenants

I’ve seen every scenario imaginable. What I’m sharing with you today isn’t theory—it’s the result of years of hands-on experience. This system works, and if you follow it, you’ll never struggle with tenants again.

Rule #1: Bad Tenants Start with Bad Screening

All tenant problems start at the front door.

If your screening process is weak, you’re inviting trouble.

Here’s what a proper tenant screening process includes:

• Credit Score – Use it as a filter, not the final decision.

• Criminal Background Check – Mandatory, always.

• Prior Evictions – Major red flag.

• Income Verification – Must earn 3–4x the monthly rent.

• Rental History – Speak to at least two previous landlords.

• Communication Style – Disorganized or evasive applicants usually lead to issues.

🚨 Pro Tip: Treat every applicant exactly the same. Consistency keeps you compliant with Fair Housing laws and prevents emotion-based decisions.

Rule #2: Use an Airtight Lease Agreement

A generic lease downloaded from the internet won’t protect you.

Your lease is your first line of defense.

Start small if you have to, but build your lease over time. Our lease grew from 3 pages to currently 15 pages over the years.

Your lease should include:

• Rent amount, due dates, and late fees

• Clear tenant responsibilities for maintenance

• Separate riders for pets, guests, and maintenance policies

• Right-to-enter clause compliant with local laws

• Full alignment with state landlord-tenant regulations

🔒 Bonus Tip: Have your lease reviewed by a landlord-tenant attorney in your area. A few hundred dollars upfront can save thousands in court later.

Rule #3: Set Expectations on Day One

Want good tenants? Start by being a good coach, not a pushover.

At move-in, do this:

• Conduct a full walkthrough with photos and signatures with a move-in inspection report

• Go over the lease in person, not just via email

• Explain the process for submitting maintenance requests

• Clarify rent procedures, late policies, and inspections

This is a business relationship, not a friendship. Being clear from the beginning is not mean—it’s kind.

Rule #4: Inspect Your Units Twice a Year

Would you buy a $300,000 car and never open the hood?
Then why rent out a property and never check on it?

Inspections aren’t optional—they’re essential.

🔍 What to inspect:

• HVAC systems and air filters

• Plumbing, toilets, and smoke detectors

• Evidence of pets, unauthorized occupants, or damage

Inspections should be routine and enforceable. Let tenants know there are consequences for lease violations. Done right, they’ll respect the structure.

Rule #5: Enforce the Lease—Without Emotion

This is where many landlords lose control.

Do not manage with emotion—manage with process.

Here’s how:

• Rent late? Charge the late fee.

• Five days late? Post the notice.

• No drama, no threats—just follow the steps.

If a tenant has a legitimate hardship, refer them to rental assistance programs, not your personal savings.

Consistency creates respect. Leniency creates entitlement.

Rule #6: Always Be Marketing for New Tenants

This is the secret sauce most landlords overlook.

Always have a waiting list. Even when your units are full.

Here’s how to build tenant demand:

• Market your properties year-round

• Collect and nurture leads constantly

• Offer incentives for referrals and renewals

When you have 10 qualified renters waiting, you’ll never feel stuck keeping a bad tenant.

Systems Create Success

Tenant issues don’t come out of nowhere. They come from broken or missing systems.

Let’s recap the system that ends tenant struggles for good:

✅ Screen tenants thoroughly and consistently
✅ Use a professional, lawyer-reviewed lease
✅ Set expectations clearly on day one
✅ Inspect your properties at least twice a year
✅ Enforce the lease without emotion
✅ Build demand by always marketing

This isn’t magic—it’s method.
And it’s how you go from landlord stress to landlord success.