Canterbury Property Investors Association: Summer 24/25
How to find the perfect tenant for your rental property
Finding the perfect tenant is like discovering the ideal houseguest—someone who treats your property with respect, pays rent on time, and helps you avoid sleepless nights worrying about damage or late payments. If you’re renting out your property, the right tenant can make all the difference between a dream rental experience and a landlord nightmare. How do you attract and select the best of the bunch?
Here’s your stylish, stress-free guide to landing that perfect tenant.
Step 1: Write a Listing That Sells (But Don’t Over-Sell!)
First impressions matter, and your listing is your property’s dating profile. Think of it like this: be honest, be clear, and show off its best features. Include the essentials—how many bedrooms, location perks, standout amenities (hello, granite countertops), and rules like whether pets or smokers are welcome. Throw in those Instagram-worthy shots that make your space look irresistible. A detailed, transparent listing won’t just grab attention—it’ll attract the right kind of tenants who are serious and interested.
Step 2: Screen Like a Pro (The Secret to Avoiding Drama)
Once the applications start rolling in, it’s time to get serious about screening. A great tenant is reliable, and that means checking as best you can. A strong credit score can be a solid indicator of financial responsibility, while stable employment history suggests they’ll be able to keep up with rent. Don’t skip over calling previous landlords either, or other references that are provided. Were they respectful of the property? Did they pay rent on time? Asking the right questions can help you avoid potential headaches down the road.
Step 3: Meet Your Prospective Tenant (It’s Not All About Paperwork)
A face-to-face meeting is essential—consider it the first date. Sure, they may look great on paper, but do they vibe with your property? How do they present themselves? Are they polite, respectful, and excited about your rental? Pay attention to the questions they ask—it’s a good sign if they’re curious and engaged. After all, you want someone who’s as invested in the place as you are.
Step 4: Watch Out for Red Flags (Trust Your Gut)
Be on the lookout for red flags. Gaps in rental history, frequent relocations, or an unwillingness to provide references can all be signs of trouble. If an applicant seems reluctant to share information or is evasive during the interview, it’s worth pausing and reconsidering. Trusting your gut in these situations can save you a lot of future hassle.
Step 5: Follow Your Instincts (Because You Know Best)
Sometimes, you just know. Maybe it’s the way they talk about their plans for the space or how they handle the application process. Your instincts are a powerful tool—trust them! If a tenant ticks all the boxes on paper but gives you pause, listen to that inner voice. It’s better to wait for the right fit than rush into a decision you’ll regret.
The Perfect Tenant Is Out There—Make Sure You Find Them
Landing the ideal tenant is about more than just paperwork.
It’s about creating a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. With the right screening, some face-to-face time, and a little instinct, you’ll be well on your way to a peaceful, drama-free landlord life. The perfect tenant? They’re just a great listing—and a little bit of intuition—away!
You don’t have to navigate the world of property management alone. By joining the Canterbury Property Investors Association, members gain access to valuable resources, industry updates, and networking opportunities that keep them informed and compliant. The association also offers essential support and guidance to help them tackle the complexities of property management effectively.
CPIA Upcoming Events
Tuesday 18 February 2025
Forum: Rico Gomez:
Emotional Intelligence in Investing and Risk Taking
Rico is the founder of NeuroFit and a high-performance mental health coach.
7-9.30pm, Hotel Elms, 456 Papanui Road, Papanui, Christchurch.
Tuesday 25 February 2025
Market update: Angela Webb
A real estate market and property management update from Bayleys investment sales specialist Angela Webb.
7pm, Bayleys Auction Room, 3 Deans Avenue, Riccarton, Christchurch
Tuesday 18 March 2025
Forum: Nichole Lewis
Nichole will share her journey, and discuss her book, No Money Deals (how to buy property when you’re stuck for cash).
7-9.30pm, Hotel Elms, 456 Papanui Road, Papanui, Christchurch.
Breakfast Club – 7.30am at Foundation Cafe, Tūranga, 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch
Friday 6 December
Friday 7 February
Friday 7 March
Friday 4 April
Coffee Mornings – 10am at Riccarton House, 16 Kahu Road, Fendalton, Christchurch
Tuesday 10 December
Tuesday 11 Feb
Tuesday 11 March
Tuesday 8 April
