What could be considered the best protection against future problems with a tenant?

The best protection against future problems with a tenant is to reference the tenant thoroughly. This involves conducting comprehensive background checks, verifying employment and income, checking credit reports, and reaching out to previous landlords for insights about the tenant's rental history and behavior. Thorough referencing provides a clearer picture of a tenant’s reliability and responsibility, which is crucial for minimizing issues such as late payments, property damage, or lease violations down the line.

While having a written lease agreement, frequent property inspections, and accepting cash payments may have their roles in property management, they do not address the fundamental issue of tenant selection. A well-informed choice of tenants based on solid references and past behavior can significantly reduce the chances of encountering problems in the future. A thorough reference process not only helps in identifying tenants who may pay on time and take care of the property but also sets a precedent for expectations and responsibilities in the rental relationship.