Tenant Screening
The right resident for your Polk County rental, not just the fastest one
How We Screen Your Rental Applicants
We want to get your Polk County rental home filled quickly, but our priority has always been the RIGHT tenant, not just the FAST tenant. Taking the time to find the best-qualified resident for your property protects your investment, keeps your cash flow consistent, and spares you the stress and expense of a bad placement. As local investors ourselves, we know what a single bad tenancy can cost a property owner, and we take that seriously.
Many people assume tenant screening is just a quick credit check and an employment call. It is not, and it should not be. Our comprehensive screening process digs much deeper than that. We take an honest, thorough look at every applicant as a whole, not just one data point, and we evaluate each of the following:
- Credit check
- Employment verification
- Debt to income ratios
- Eviction history check
- Criminal history check
- Previous landlord calls
No applicant is approved or denied based on a credit score alone. We take a full-picture view of every application, weigh each factor carefully, and make placement decisions that protect your property and your peace of mind. This process has worked consistently well for our Polk County property owners, and it is how we manage every rental in our portfolio, including our own.
Schedule your Free Property Consultation using the form and put our experience to work for your property.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Discover What We Do As Your Lakeland Property Manager
As your Lakeland property manager, we take care of everything.
Marketing
Putting your rental property in front of the right tenants starts with knowing your local market. We provide a professional rental market analysis for every property we manage in Lakeland and Polk County, so your home is priced to rent quickly and generate the strongest possible return on your investment.
Tenant Screening
Every applicant goes through a thorough screening process before we hand over a single key. We verify income, check rental history, run background and credit checks, and handle every step of the move-in process so your property is placed with a qualified, reliable tenant from day one.
Rent Collection
We promptly handle all rent collection on your behalf, allowing you to enjoy income from your investment without the hassle of tracking payments. While we utilize a consistent process to encourage timely payment, please note that we cannot guarantee every tenant will pay on time; however, our team takes swift action to resolve any issues that may arise.
Maintenance
We coordinate move-in and move-out inspections with full documentation of your property's condition, and we handle all maintenance requests promptly and professionally. Your property is treated with the same care we give our own rental investments right here in Polk County. Please note that we do not have any additional charge to manage maintenance.
Financial Reporting
Staying on top of your investment has never been simpler. Through your dedicated owner portal, you can log in at any time to review monthly statements and financial reports that are clear, organized, and easy to understand.
Eviction Protection
When an eviction becomes necessary, we are ready to act. Please note that We do not charge any additional fees beyond court fees. We manage the entire process on your behalf, so your property and your investment stay protected every step of the way.
Get a Free Property Consultation
Knowledge is power. Use our free rental analysis tool to discover what you should be charging for your rental property.
This is a preliminary estimate and is subject to verification by one of our property managers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Florida law does not require property owners to accept Section 8 vouchers, though some local ordinances may apply. We recommend reviewing the regulations specific to Polk County and Lakeland before making that decision. We are happy to walk you through what applies to your property.
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Yes. Lakeland Homes and Realty, LLC is a licensed real estate brokerage and property management company operating in full compliance with Florida law. Our broker-owner, Milton De La Cruz, is an active real estate investor and licensed broker with deep roots in the Polk County market.
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Yes. We provide an emergency contact line for urgent property issues that cannot wait. Routine questions and general inquiries are handled during normal business hours, and we make a point of actually answering the phone, in English and in Spanish.
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Yes. Owner disbursements are sent via direct deposit so your rental income reaches you quickly and without the hassle of waiting on a check in the mail.
