Never give a tenant the keys without the money and a signed contract Never give a tenant the keys without first getting an application Try to avoid evictions by talking with the tenant that is late and by doing necessary repairs. Try to avoid evictions because they are not worth the money. Use Craig list to list Vacant properties because you get a higher quality tenant. Learn to re-key a lock and keep duplicate keys Use wax bait for rats so they will not come on your property.