18 Important Tenant Screening Questions Landlords Should Ask

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You need quality residents to have a hassle-free property management experience. A tenant screening session is one of the best ways to find someone compatible with your rental and regulatory requirements. It also gives you a preview of their attitude.

These interviews can be nerve-wracking. Some landlords use tenant screening services to collect all the necessary information, such as credit history, monthly income, and so on. However, these require quite a bit of investment and provide little information on personability and other niche data. Here are some key questions to include in your screening.

1. Do You Have Experience Renting?

Many first-time renters may be unsure about following house rules and living in shared buildings. About 45% of 18 to 29-year-olds still live at home with their families. You must extend and clarify more information if your applicant is part of that pool. Extra understanding is also paramount for earlier misunderstandings. 

2. What Are Your Reasons for Moving?

Is your renter looking for a bigger and quieter space than their previous home? Are they moving because they need a location nearer to their new job? Or are there other reasons behind the sudden decision? Landlords should avoid prying into the specifics if it’s a personal problem. However, the answer can reveal a lot about your potential tenant.

3. How Long Have You Been in Your Current Home?

Is your renter looking to switch properties after living in their current home for only a few months? It could be a sign they prefer short-term rentals over long-term stays. This arrangement has various pros, such as earlier availability and higher income potential. However, there are also cons, such as finding another tenant to fill the space.

4. What Is Your Monthly Income?

Monthly income is a key part of every tenant screening, as it implies whether or not they can cover the rental payments. Remember to ask for proof. You can also ask about their sources of income. It’s ideal to find a potential resident with a stable job since they’re more likely to pay the full amount on time. 

5. What Kind of Work Do You Do?

You should also try to ask about the nature of an applicant’s work. Aside from stability, it can influence what hours they’re present or absent from a property rental. For example, maybe they work the late night shift at a bar or are in charge of early morning shipments in a warehouse. It’s good to know these things if you have a curfew for your space. 

6. How Many People Will Stay in Your Home?

Some rental spaces can accommodate big families, while others can only take two to three people. Most applicants are aware of the property they are applying for. However, others may assume that they can squeeze in more than what’s indicated. Asking how many people will stay is a good way to verify the number of people coming.

7. Do You Have Visitors Often?

Visitors are natural, especially during special occasions and the holiday. However, having them over every single hour and day is another story. Figure out whether an applicant has a lifestyle that involves bringing people over every day during the tenant screening. 

8. Do You Own Any Pets?

Landlords must know whether a tenant has a pet since they require extra maintenance and care. About 62% of Americans own a pet, and most consider them part of their family. If they don’t have one now, gauge their interest in adopting one shortly. 

9. Do You Own a Car?

Some landlords have properties without a garage. It’s important to clarify whether they have a car, motorcycle or any other vehicle requiring space. Multiple automobiles will need better parking solutions.

10. Do You Smoke?

Cigarettes and cannabis create an unpleasant smell that spreads throughout the rooms. Secondhand smoke also causes cancer and other health risks to other occupants in the building. Landlords deny applications based on this information. 

11. Do You Have Specific Furnishing Needs?

Tenants may have specific furnishing needs. For example, wheelchair users will need accessibility ramps from room to room. Parents with younger children may need babyproofing. Discussing these in advance showcases your openness to accommodating their needs. You could also address whether they want to bring their furniture and additions. 

12. Are You Amenable to the Responsibilities?

Landlords have many responsibilities, such as cleaning the property and ensuring the safety of their residents. However, some split maintenance responsibilities equally between their tenants. Make sure they agree if you’re adopting a similar arrangement. 

13. Do You Have Your Own Internet Plan?

Some property managers install an internet plan for the rental units. However, some renters may prefer to transfer their service instead. Ask whether they have it and prefer to keep their contract with their provider. 

14. Do You Agree with All Fees Presented?

Monthly rental payments are usually discussed. However, you should also talk about miscellaneous fees, such as the lease application fee and security deposit. Ask if they can cover all expenses mentioned and provide clarifications when needed.

15. Do You Have Any Criminal History?

Some tenant screening services provide criminal history background checks, but it’s worth asking directly to hear the story. However, there are boundaries you need to keep in mind. In California, it’s unlawful for housing providers to use criminal history to intentionally exclude applicants of certain racial groups. Respect your applicants. 

16. Have You Had Disputes and Evictions?

You typically get eviction history, but it’s still good to inquire further about what happened to your tenant. Maybe they have an explanation for what had happened. Perhaps they bring up disputes from the past. If they are wary of unkind landlords, you can provide them with the reassurance you will handle all disputes fairly. 

17. What Date Would You Want to Move In?

Is your tenant looking to move in as soon as possible? Will they need an extra month before coming to the place? Some landlords would prefer to fill vacancies as soon as possible, but some applicants are worth waiting for. 

18. Do You Have Any Questions?

After all the asking, it’s time to let them quench their curiosities. Provide clarifications about the rental agreement. Tour them around the property space. Explain the house rules and living arrangements. Remember to be kind as you answer each question. 

Prepare for Tenant Screenings

Tenant screenings are important meetings to inquire about your potential residents. You need to be fully prepared to lead the conversation and make sure you can answer their questions. Trust is a two-way street, after all.