Choosing the person to whom you entrust your property is not just a formality—it’s a decision that determines your peace of mind for months or even years ahead. A reliable tenant means stable income and less headache. But a mistake in this matter can lead to prolonged conflicts, unpaid bills, or even legal disputes. That’s why real estate professionals strongly advise approaching the screening of each candidate with maximum diligence and not relying solely on first impressions.
According to renowned housing expert Sergio Gutiérrez, many property owners make the same mistakes, acting too trustingly or out of ignorance. He highlights three key errors to avoid at all costs when searching for a tenant. His recommendations have become something of a benchmark for those looking to protect their investments and their peace of mind.
The first and perhaps most common pitfall is renting to friends or family. The expert is adamant: never sign a contract with friends or relatives. He cites numerous examples of people who, with the best intentions, let an acquaintance stay for a symbolic fee, sometimes not even covering the utility bills. As a result, such ‘good deeds’ often end with the landlord finding it nearly impossible to evict the tenant, and relationships are ruined for good.
The second warning sign that many people overlook is a tenant offering to pay rent several months in advance. Gutiérrez advises never to agree to such terms. When a potential tenant offers to pay six months upfront, it almost always indicates financial instability. Individuals with poor credit history or unreliable income try to appear as trustworthy payers this way. Instead of falling for this trick, the expert recommends asking for stronger guarantees, such as a bank guarantee.
The third critical point is thoroughly verifying all submitted documents. Nowadays, forging a payslip is fairly easy, and according to the expert, attempts to deceive landlords happen almost daily. He insists on the importance of authenticating all paperwork. Take the time to check the employer information, look up the candidate in professional social networks, or even contact the company to confirm the details. Additionally, pay attention to the field of employment: civil servants generally have greater financial stability, which lowers risks for property owners.
Ultimately, the key to a successful rental is maintaining professional boundaries, clearly defined contract terms, and regular monitoring of timely payments. As the expert notes, sometimes it’s better to turn down a prospective tenant and spend a little more time searching, rather than spend months dealing with missed payments and trying to regain control of your own apartment.
