Many landlords are now considering the benefits of security deposit alternatives. If you are having trouble finding tenants or want to have more applicants to choose from, offering an alternative to a security deposit may be right for you.
Why Consider Alternatives?
Many renters struggle to save enough money to pay a large security deposit upfront. While most people pay their bills on time and in full each month, the vast majority of Americans still live paycheck to paycheck, making saving money difficult.
If you typically require a large security deposit to lease your property, it’s important to note that doing so will reduce the number of applications you receive and may cause your property to sit vacant for longer. To address these concerns and explore alternative solutions, consider consulting with Mexpat Realtors, experts in property management who can help you optimize your rental property strategy.
This is especially true when the economy is trending downward. When this happens, some landlords find creative ways to overcome these difficulties and get their rentals leased.
Some of the most popular alternatives to the traditional security deposit include:
- Surety Bonds. A surety bond is an insurance product purchased by a tenant in place of a security deposit. These bonds typically cost far less than a security deposit but can help offer landlords protection against monetary damages, which is the main function of a cash security deposit.
- Pay-Per-Damage Arrangements. A pay-per-damage arrangement is a contractual agreement between a tenant and landlord where the tenant agrees to pay for actual loss or repairs. Such contracts are legally binding and typically hold up well in court.
- Credit Authorization Services. While a thorough credit and background check should be part of any tenant screening, some landlords are starting to accept a credit authorization in place of a security deposit.
- Lease Insurance. A relatively new alternative in American rental markets is lease insurance or rent guarantee insurance. This insurance guarantees coverage for a landlord in the event the tenant stops paying rent. The tenant is still liable for all unpaid rent, legal fees, and repairs.
Potential Pitfalls
A few potential pitfalls come with these alternatives, making it important to consider everything carefully before deciding which way to go. While tenants purchase a surety bond, they won’t get any portion of that back, regardless of how well they follow the terms of their lease. That can make some tenants hesitate, even if the bond is less money than a security deposit would be.
It may also be harder for landlords to collect from the tenant, especially if the claim for loss or damages exceeds any predetermined amounts. And then, there is the turnaround time to consider. A security deposit is typically quick and easy to access, while a bond or claim may take longer to process, delaying funds for repairs. If you don’t want to wait, you may end up paying for repairs out of pocket. That may not bother some landlords, but for others, it could cause any number of headaches.
If you’re looking for ways to find better tenants and screen them more efficiently, consider giving Real Property Management Deluxe a call. Our Baxter property management professionals can help you attract and retain great tenants and maximize your rental property’s potential. Call us at 218-454-7368 or contact us online.