30 Apr 13 Questions to Ask Prospective Tenants
Tenant screening is critical to success as a landlord. Screening is not just about removing the bad candidates from your list, but also reducing the problems with finding a good applicant that will fit your property well.
A simple credit screening can weed out bad financial applicants easily. Finding personal fits to your properties is not as straight forward.
The first interaction between you and a potential renter starts with that first phone call or email, and you can learn a lot through that interaction.
If your applications have the right questions, it can make any problems down the line less painful.
Pre-Screen Questions
The pre-screen is not meant to choose the right tenant, but attract responsible tenants that will fit within your qualifications. These questions should attract the good applicants, but steer the “less-good” tenants away. This process should help you build a pool of good applicants. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits the discrimination on the basis of:
- Race
- Color
- National Origin
- Religion
- Sex
- Familial Status
- Disability
Standard questions like their name and work history are standard, but the application should almost be like a mini background check. The questions should weed-out those who may not be the best candidates. The questions should turn away tenants that would break rules or cause you to need to enforce certain policies down the line. Start with simple questions before the formal applications starts.
- Name and Phone Number: This is the logical first question to ask, as it is crucial to the continued relationship. If this is not asked in the beginning, it could be forgotten until its too late.
- Move Date: This will help determine timeline and how much you are going to be able to help them. Some proactive people may be looking upwards of 3 months out, but rarely are the properties that you currently have available most likely will not be when the time comes.
- Work or School?: This will help determine if their income will be sufficient for the property as well as if their lifestyle will fit with your property.
- Other Tenants Also Moving In: Make sure that you are accounting for all of the adults that will be living at your property. When the lease is written, ensure that it is written that only the people screen will be those who are residents. You may also want to include language that pertains to your policies on pets, smoking, etc. Starting the process before knowing these things could waste the time of the applicant and yourself if they don’t fit the preliminary qualifications.
Potential Screening Questions
There are a few key questions to ask the prospective tenants when you initially meet them. These can help you determine what type of resident they could be. It is not always a black and white issue either, but it is important to include questions that will help you find the best candidate for yourself and for them.
- Why Are You Moving?: This is arguably the most important question you can ask as a landlord. The reason they give can be the biggest indicator of the experience you will have having them as your tenant. If they have a logical reason like moving town, want to up or downsize, or are moving from out of town, this is most likely your ideal applicant. Be careful if someone begins to rant about previous issues, especially if they complain about their previous landlord. This may be a sign that they will be a difficult tenant.
- When Do You Want to Move In?: Someone who wants to move in ASAP or very quickly could be a red flag. It could mean
- They’ve been evicted
- They were asked to leave
- They didn’t plan ahead
- They currently do not rent
- Various other reasons that could make your life difficult
It could also mean that they are trying to leave a negative situation with a roommate, which would not mean they are a bad tenant. Also be aware of someone who wants to hold a property for a few months. It probably is not financially viable for you to lose out on rent for extended period of time for one possible tenant.
- Pets?: Asking if they have pets may not lead to an honest answer, as they may try to hide them. Asking what kind of pets someone has gives more of an opportunity for them to be honest. If they have pets, make sure to inform them of your pet policy.
- Have You Been Evicted?: This is a sign of an irresponsible tenant. If they answer yes, it doesn’t mean that it is automatically a no. If they own up to it, it could be a sign that they’ve taken steps to improve themselves instead of blaming it on outside forces.
- Have You Broken A Lease?: This info is readily available when you collect landlord references, but gives you another chance to gauge their honesty.
- Do You Smoke?: Smoke permeates everything and requires a lot of work and replacement to get rid of the smell. It can get expensive and hectic. Make sure you have a clearly stated smoking policy in place to handle this issue.
- Move-In Funds?: “Required Money” is different for every landlord. Some need one months rent, some need 2 months, some have fees and some don’t. This is another sign of what is to come for the tenant. Making sure someone is financially responsible and will pay you when something goes wrong is important.
- Why Wouldn’t You Be Able to Pay Rent?: Any reason other than “death” should be noted. This is another way to tell if they are financially responsible, as this shows their preparedness and mentality. Things go wrong for everyone now and again, but having a backup plan and being able to continue to pay rent is key. If they have more reasons, it doesn’t mean they will be poor tenants, but it is important to keep this in mind while making the decision.
- How Did You See The Property?: Shows which outlets are successful
- Emergency Contacts?: For more than true emergencies, these are people that can help you get in contact with the tenant in the event that they are trying to avoid you or you have been unable to contact them. They could give the tenant the push they need to remedy the situation.
- What Kinds of Banking Accounts?: Do you have a checking and a savings account? Do you only have one? Not having a bank account is a red flag that something could be off. It could mean they are financially irresponsible, they get paid illegally, or they had the government serve garnishment judgements.
- Why You?: Why is this tenant the right choice? It gives them the chance to prove to you that they are responsible and will be good tenants. If they give you reasons that are unsure or solely based on their need for housing, they may not be the best choice.
- Any Additional Information?: This is where a tenant can explain any discrepancies or issues in their past. It gives more insight into who they are. No singular item here is a deal breaker on its own, but are ways to try and learn as much as you can about the person applying. Make sure you dig deeper on issues that concern you before rejecting someone automatically! Everyone is different and has had a different past! Give someone the chance to prove themselves to you!
