

#430: Why My Best Tenants Wear Hard Hats, Not Suits
6 snips Jul 25, 2025
Discover why choosing blue-collar, or 'hard hat' tenants can be a game-changer for landlords. Contrary to popular belief, these tenants often provide stability, reliability, and better property care. The discussion reveals the surprising advantages of lower-income tenants and emphasizes the importance of thorough tenant screening. With personal anecdotes, the host shares insights on how higher income doesn't necessarily mean better tenants, challenging common assumptions in real estate investing.
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Tenant Choice Story
- Chad Carson shares a story choosing between a high-earning tenant and a skilled blue-collar couple.
- He picked the blue-collar tenants who met income criteria and have stayed for over five years.
Set Clear Screening Criteria
- Create and enforce tenant screening criteria fairly and consistently including credit, income, and prior records.
- Use this to reliably choose tenants who meet your standards and help minimize issues.
Income Level Impacts Tenant Quality
- Higher income tenants often are pickier, stay shorter, and are more likely to buy a home soon.
- Hard hat tenants often take better care of the property and stay longer, making them ideal.