As a landlord, there are several steps you must follow when dealing with prospective tenants. You want to ensure they’ll be a great fit for your property. Tenant screening is one of the most important steps that can be skipped if you’re not careful.
While the process may seem simple, failing to ask the right tenant screening questions can result in tons of issues down the road. Luckily, we’re here to help.
Ask these five pre-screening questions to attract the right applicants. This way, you can determine who will be the ideal tenant for the property. Read on!
1. Why Are You Moving?
This question can reveal a lot about a potential tenant and their reasons for wanting to move in. It is a valuable tool to identify whether an applicant is looking for a brief stopgap or if they are in search of a more permanent residence.
If a potential tenant is moving for economic reasons or due to a job transfer, that can potentially shed more light. It will aid the decision as to whether they are suitable for the premises you are offering.
2. Can I Ask for References From Your Former Landlords and Employer?
Asking for references from former landlords and employers is a great way to get more information. Landlords should be asking prospective tenants for rental history, contact information for previous landlord references, and proof of employment. Once you have that information, you can contact the landlord and employer to get a sense of the reliability and trustworthiness of the tenant.
Asking for previous rental history can help you to understand their payment history. Calling their previous employer can give you an indication of their financial stability.
3. Will You Submit a Rental Application and Authorize a Credit and Background Check?
Another key question is if they will submit rental applications and authorize a credit and background check. This will give you the insight you need to know if the tenant is serious about renting the property. This is because many tenants who are serious about renting are willing to go the extra mile in submitting the necessary paperwork.
You will also be able to see any potential red flags such as unemployment, an excessive number of late payments, and whether or not there is a possibility they could be facing bankruptcy. You can opt for having a landlord credit check to see their credit score and if they can afford the security deposit.
4. When Would You Like To Move In?
Ask about their desired move-in date. It is vital to confirm whether the date requested is realistic and attainable. Ask if they have already secured other housing and their timeframe to complete the transition. Ensure the move-in date will permit enough time to conduct the necessary tenant screening process.
5. What’s Your Preferred Lease Term?
As a landlord, you’ll want to ask what your tenant prefers in terms of lease terms. Depending on the rental property, you may have the option of offering monthly, 6-month, 1-year, or longer-term leases. Knowing your tenant’s preference for lease terms is crucial to determining if your tenant will be a good fit.
Ask These Tenant Screening Questions to Find the Best Applicants
Tenant screening questions are an essential tool for landlords looking to find the best tenant for each rental property. Be sure to ask questions that are legal and compliant to properly assess the potential tenant’s qualifications. Start a good tenant screening process today!
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