A good tenant is not simply someone who wants to move in quickly. For a landlord, it is important to find someone who can afford the rent, communicates clearly, takes care of the property and understands their responsibilities.

Finding the right tenant starts before the first viewing. A clear property listing, a realistic rental price and well-defined terms can help attract someone with whom you can build a stable and trouble-free tenancy.

Clear Property Listing

A good rental listing should give prospective tenants an honest overview of the property and the terms of the tenancy. It should include the monthly rent, an indication of utility and service costs, the deposit, the available move-in date, details of furniture and appliances, and whether pets or smoking are permitted.

The clearer the listing, the less room there is for misunderstandings later. Providing accurate information from the outset also helps filter out applicants whose expectations or circumstances are not suited to the property.

Set the Right Rental Price

Setting the rent too high may result in the property remaining vacant for longer and receiving fewer enquiries. Setting it too low may attract a large number of applicants, but not necessarily the right ones.

When determining the rental price, consider the location, condition of the property, furnishings, utility costs, parking, public transport connections and comparable properties currently on the market. The aim should not simply be to achieve the highest possible rent, but to establish a stable and sustainable tenancy.

Reasonable Background Checks

A landlord naturally wants to know who will be living in their property. Before entering into a tenancy agreement, it may be appropriate to ask for information relevant to the tenancy, such as the applicant’s ability to pay the rent, the regularity of their income and previous rental experience, where the applicant is willing to provide such information.

Any background checks should be transparent and limited to information that is genuinely relevant to the tenancy. Only appropriate questions should be asked, and it should be clear why the information is required.

Communication can also reveal a great deal. If an applicant answers questions clearly, arrives at the viewing as agreed and understands the terms of the tenancy, this can provide a useful first impression of how the relationship may work in practice.

Written Tenancy Agreement

A tenancy should be formalised with a written agreement. The agreement should clearly state the rent, additional costs, payment dates, deposit, duration of the tenancy, termination terms and the responsibilities of both parties.

For residential tenancies, any deposit and its payment terms should comply with the applicable legal requirements. For residential tenancies in Estonia, the deposit may be agreed up to the legal limit of three months’ rent. A smaller deposit may also be agreed, depending on the property and the terms of the tenancy.

Inventory and Photos

It is important to prepare a handover record when the tenant moves in. This should document the condition of the property, meter readings, the number of keys provided, furniture and appliances, and any existing defects or damage.

Photographs provide a useful record of the property’s condition at the start of the tenancy and can help prevent disputes later. The same approach should be taken when the tenancy ends and the property is returned to the landlord.

How an Estate Agent Helps

An estate agent can assist a landlord throughout the letting process, including setting the rental price, preparing the listing, communicating with prospective tenants, arranging viewings, selecting a suitable tenant and preparing the tenancy agreement.

A good estate agent does not assess a prospective tenant on first impressions alone. They consider the overall picture: whether the rent is realistic, whether the terms are clear, and whether the applicant and the agreed conditions provide a sound basis for a stable tenancy.

Summary

Finding a good tenant is not simply a matter of luck. A clear listing, realistic pricing, sensible background checks, a properly prepared tenancy agreement and a detailed handover record can all help reduce risks and establish a stable tenancy.

If you are planning to let your property, it is worth approaching the entire process carefully from the outset — from setting the rental price and preparing the listing to selecting a tenant and signing the tenancy agreement.