If a job or family situation takes you away from home, consider renting out your home to offset all or part of the costs of your monthly mortgage payment.
Step One
Consult local building and zoning authorities to see if any rental restrictions apply to private residences in your area.
Step Two
Review mortgage documents for restrictions about renting out your home while the mortgage is in effect.
Step Three
Determine how much rent you should charge by checking rental rates of similar properties in your area in the classified section of the newspaper.
Step Four
Advertise your property to attract applicants.
Step Five
Prepare or obtain a rental lease for the property that spells out specific terms and conditions.
Step Six
Interview prospective tenants while showing the property. Accept applications and security deposits.
Step Seven
Check credit, personal, and rental references of applicants, then select tenants for the property in a non-discriminatory manner.
Step Eight
Review the terms of the lease with the selected applicants to make sure they understand all conditions before signing.
Step Nine
Conduct a “walk-through” of the property with tenants on the day they move into your home and have them initial a “property-condition report” that verifies the current condition of the property.