How to find a reliable tenant in 2025?

The rental market remains demanding in 2025: the risks of unpaid bills, the rental vacancy and the intensification of competition force each owner to refine their strategy. Selecting a reliable tenant is no longer limited to publishing an announcement and waiting: it is now a thoughtful process that involves the valuation of the property, targeted distribution, rigorous sorting of applications and the adoption of appropriate guarantees.

As a landlord, you need to secure your income, limit vacancy costs and protect your assets. This article guides you step by step through the first decisive steps: from preparing the home to writing the ad, to maximize your chances of attracting a serious, stable and solvent tenant.

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1. Prepare your property well before renting

Before welcoming a tenant, preparing the accommodation is a decisive step. A well-cared for, in perfect condition and offered at an appropriate rent not only generates more applications, but also allows you to select from the most reliable profiles.

This valuation phase reduces the rental vacancy, limits the risks of withdrawal or inaccurate applications, and lays the foundations for a serene rental relationship. Here you will discover how to: prepare the accommodation in an optimal way, set a relevant rent according to your geographical area, and write a rewarding ad in order to put all the chances on your side.

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1.1 Valuing your home (repairs, cleanliness, atmosphere)

Before offering it for rent, your property must be optimized in terms of presentation and comfort. Neat and attractive housing generates more visits and makes it easier to find good candidates.
Concretely: check that all the basic work (plumbing, electricity, heating) is carried out, note the finishes, make sure that the accommodation is clean, tidy and bright. Consider updating the layout (clear paintings, visible storage, clean kitchen) to meet the expectations of a modern tenant.
In summary: we will promote the property so that it makes a “good impression” as soon as it is announced, and thus limit the vacancy.

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1.2 Set a competitive and realistic rent (analysis of the local market, tense zone)

The rent you post plays a key role in your attractiveness. It should be aligned with the local market, while reflecting the quality of the property. For this:

• Analyze the rents charged in your neighborhood, on comparable properties (surface, equipment, condition);
• Pay attention to regulations: in tense areas, there may be rent limits or ceilings that must be respected.
  A well-fixed rent allows you to attract a wide range of serious candidates and to avoid repeated adjustments or prolonged vacancies.

1.3 Writing an attractive ad (quality photos, accurate description)

When it comes time to advertise your property, the ad is your first “window”. A careful, clear and complete announcement will strongly influence the interest of candidates. According to best practices:

• The title should be catchy and reflect the strengths of the home.
• The body of the ad should include location, area, number of rooms, number of rooms, equipment, rental conditions, quality photos.
• The photos must present the accommodation in its best light (light, cleanliness, careful viewing angle).
  Result: a professional advertisement, which values your property and immediately rules out unserious applications.

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2. Writing and distributing the ad to attract the right candidates

Even before selecting applications, it is the announcement that plays the very first role in attracting a candidate. A well-constructed ad that is broadcast on the right channels makes it possible to attract a large number of relevant profiles, and then to choose the most reliable among them.

In a context where competition is high, especially in tense areas, every detail counts: content, distribution, timing and segmentation. This part will explain how to write a clear, complete and attractive ad, what channels to activate to maximize visibility, and how to adapt your strategy according to competitive pressure on the rental market.

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2.1 Content of the announcement: location, surface, equipment, conditions

To capture the attention of a serious candidate, the ad must contain basic information:

• City, neighborhood, proximity to transport/amenities — location is one of the first criteria.
• Surface, number of rooms, type of property (furnished/naked), equipment (equipped kitchen, balcony, lift, parking).
• Rental conditions: rent, charges, security deposit, type of lease, availability.
  By presenting complete and transparent content, you improve the quality of contacts and save time in the process.

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2.2 Multiply distribution channels: specialized platforms, social networks, word-of-mouth

An effective ad is not enough; it also needs to be delivered on the right channels to maximize visibility. This involves:

• Publication on several specialized real estate platforms (ad sites, online agencies).
• Use of social networks to reach a wider audience, relaying in targeted groups (students, young workers, families depending on your property).
• Activation of the local network: word-of-mouth, “for rent” sign, professional contacts, prescribers.
  This multi-channel strategy increases your chances of receiving a significant volume of applications and therefore of choosing a qualified tenant.

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2.3 Optimizing visibility in a competitive context (in a tense vs relaxed zone)

Depending on the location of your property, the level of competition can vary greatly. In a tense area: high demand, but the need to stand out. In a relaxed area: fewer candidates, the importance of increased visibility. To optimize:

• In a tense area: every detail counts: a well-presented home, a quick publication, excellent quality photos, a fair price.
• In a relaxed area: emphasis on assets (parking, terrace, terrace, calm, transport) and expanded distribution, possibly beyond the immediate area.
  In this way, you adapt your approach to the market environment and maximize your chances of finding a good tenant quickly.

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3. Rigorously sort and pre-select applications

At this stage, you have attracted candidates: now is the time to filter with methodology. Effective pre-selection prevents you from wasting time with inappropriate profiles and limits the risks of unpaid rents or extended vacancies. It's not just about checking documents: you also need to analyze solvency, observe the candidate's behavior, and ensure that the project fits your property. By adopting a rigorous approach, you are putting every chance on your side to welcome a reliable and sustainable tenant.

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3.1 Solvency analysis: rule “income ≈ 3 times the rent”, effort rate

Solvency is the first filter. A commonly accepted rule is that the candidate's net income should be at least three times the amount of rent including expenses.
Beyond the “three times”, it is necessary to analyze the stability of the job, the nature of the contract (permanent contract, fixed-term contract, self-employed) and the level of debt.
For example, a tenant who has been on a permanent contract for several years with few debts has a more reassuring profile than an employee who is on a trial period.

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3.2 Verification of supporting documents (employment contract, pay slips, tax notices) and monitoring of the background

For each file, the owner (or his agent) must require the essential documents: identity document, last three pay slips, tax notice, proof of address, etc.
It is also recommended to:

• check that the employer exists (via SIREN/SIRET) to avoid false ballots.
• ask former owners if necessary, for references on behavior.
• check that the profile corresponds to the planned rental period: a student on mobility may represent a shorter risk of renewal.

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3.3 Behaviour, consistency of the file, profile/housing correspondence: stability, expected duration etc.

Beyond the numbers, it is important to assess the candidate's “rental project”: why this accommodation, for how long, the living conditions envisaged.
A responsible landlord must favour a tenant who has long-term prospects, a clear situation and a fully coherent file.
In summary: this sorting allows you to choose a reliable tenant, but also serene for you.

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4. Choose guarantees and sign the lease securely

Once your future tenant is pre-selected, the challenge is to lock the rental relationship: choose the appropriate guarantees, draft a compliant lease and put in place the necessary protections. This step determines your level of risk and the peace of mind you can have over time. Here you will learn how to compare guarantee options (deposit, unpaid rent insurance, etc.), how to write a solid lease and how to take advantage of the intervention of a professional to secure the transaction.

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4.1 Classic guarantor, joint bond, unpaid rent insurance (GLI): which to prefer according to the profile

The issue of collateral is essential to secure your rental income. You have several options: a physical (or moral) guarantor, Visale, or Unpaid Rent Insurance (GLI).
For example:

• A guarantor may be suitable if the person is close, solvent, stable.
• GLI offers a more “automated” solution for covering unpaid invoices.
  Important: the law prohibits combining unpaid rent insurance and a bond when the tenant is not a student or apprentice.
  Choose the guarantee according to the tenant's profile, the geographical area, and your risk tolerance.

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4.2 Drafting the lease in accordance with legal obligations, annexes, inventory

When signing the lease, be sure to respect all legal obligations (duration of the lease, mention of charges, technical diagnoses, etc.).
Add the mandatory appendices: DPE (energy performance diagnosis), Input inventory, etc.
Set the effective date, the amount of rent, charges, security deposit, payment terms.
Finally, carry out a clear and complete entry inventory (photos, statements, description) to prevent any disputes.

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4.3 The role of the professional (real estate hunter, manager) in securing the transaction

As a real estate hunter, your professional intervention can make a difference:

• you can provide a prior selection of reliable applications,
• you master the drafting of the lease,
• you guarantee administrative follow-up and compliance.
  This reassures the landlord and values your expertise.

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5. Monitor the rental relationship and anticipate risks

The signed contract does not mean that everything is over: the rental relationship deserves regular monitoring to keep the tenant reliable over the long term. Good proactive management allows you to avoid unpaid bills, limit vacancies and optimize profitability. This last part will explain how to establish effective communication as soon as the tenant enters, monitor payments and anticipate incidents, so that your investment remains serene.

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5.1 Establishment of a good initial maintenance, clear communication on housing rules

As soon as the tenant enters, a good welcome and clear instructions promote a healthy relationship: payment methods, rules of life, operation of the equipment, contact in case of problems.
Proactive maintenance at the start of a rental builds trust and limits incidents.

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5.2 Monitoring payments, proactive incident management, recourse if unpaid

After renting:

• Check every month that the rent has been paid.
• If a delay occurs, react quickly (reminder, formal notice).
• in case of non-payment, activate the warranty (GLI or other) or implement the remedy provided.
  This responsiveness protects your income and prevents the problem from getting worse.

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5.3 The importance of a reliable profile to limit vacancies and maximize profitability

A tenant selected with care and with good support is more likely to stay a long time, maintain the home properly and generate a good net return.
This is why all the previous steps (preparation of the property, announcement, announcement, sorting, guarantees, follow-up) converge towards one objective: the stability of the lease and sustainable profitability.

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👉 Download your printable PDF version of this checklist: DOWNLOAD THE CHECKLIST

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Conclusion

As a lessor, adopting a rigorous approach in selecting a reliable tenant turns renting your property into a real performance driver. By carefully preparing the home, by distributing a relevant ad, by filtering applications methodically, by securing the lease and by ensuring active follow-up, you minimize risks (arrears, vacancies, disputes) and maximize the value of your investment.

At Mecaza, as a real estate hunter, we put our expertise at your disposal to support each stage: from initial preparation to the management of the rental relationship. You deserve peace of mind and profitability.

By following this checklist and deploying the best practices presented in this article, you are perfectly equipped to attract a tenant that is serious, stable and in line with your objective. So take action: the right tenant is just a click away.

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