If my Tenant's rent checks bounce, what can I do?

First off, make it common practice to demand certified funds at move-in. You do not want to accept a personal check to cover security and first month's rent because, if it bounces, you are stuck with a Tenant and no money. In the event a Tenant's rent check bounces, you have several options.

First, call the Tenants bank to verify funds are available. If the funds are available, immediately take the returned check (or a copy from your bank) to the Tenant's bank and demand certified funds to cover the check.