WICHITA, Kansas, Mar 10, 2008 -- Now that real estate boom has turned to bust, many former speculators are becoming reluctant landlords. If that's you, welcome to Kenny Hale's world.

"I've had, probably, hundreds of loads I use in my truck with my employees and my help of just junk when people bail out. They leave."

Kenny has been a landlord for 11 years. He has 38 rentals now, but has had up to 150. His single most important task? Screening tenants.

"I do a credit report, I screen them. I check their background for other evictions and felony convictions. And then I go on the website for the local sheriff's office just to see if they have a background or any criminal history."

Kenny also uses the National Tenant Network website to check out prospective tenants. And there are other websites that can help new landlords with everything from legal forms to emotional support.

Other tips:

• Ask for a picture ID so you can be sure you're checking out the person you're actually renting to.
• Hold an open house so you can save time by meeting several prospective tenants at one time.
• And don't hand over the keys until the rent and deposit checks clear.

If you haven't bought that first rental yet, here's some additional advice from Kenny:

"It's not as easy as you think. You've got to be prepared for a lot of problems. You've got to have money -- cash reserves to pay anything that comes up because you're in charge and you're responsible."

The bottom line? If you're going to be a landlord, focus on two checks: Background checks and rent checks.

Related links:
National Tenant Network