Uncovering Red Flags When Screening Prospective Tenants

Screening prospective tenants can be a tricky business. As a landlord, you must weigh the need to find good tenants with the responsibility of screening them properly to ensure they will make reliable and responsible tenants.

Knowing what signs to look for can help landlords determine if someone is likely to make an ideal tenant or should be avoided. Here are some key topics landlords should consider when screening prospective tenants:

Financial History

Landlords should take into account both current financial stability as well as past history when screening applicants. Consider credit score, employment status, income level, and whether they have previously faced any evictions or bankruptcies that could affect their ability to pay rent on time.

Rental References

One way to verify an applicant’s past rental behavior is to contact their previous landlords. Ask about the number of years they lived there, how well they paid rent on time, the amenities that were included, and whether the property was kept in good condition during their stay.

Criminal Record

Landlords should also obtain a criminal record screening for all tenants. Check for felonies that could indicate potential safety risks such as violence or drug-related convictions.

Employment & Income Verification

Many landlords also require proof of income and/or employment to ensure applicants can afford the rental property. Request copies of recent pay stubs or financial statements to verify a tenant’s ability to pay rent regularly.

Personal Interviews

Before making a final decision, landlords may want to conduct personal interviews with prospective tenants. This is an opportunity to get a better sense of the individual and can help uncover any red flags that might not have been detected in previous screening steps.

Pet Interview

Landlords with pet-friendly rentals also opt to conduct interviews with both the tenant and any accompanying pets. Doing so can help determine if the animal is well-behaved and if it will cause any potential issues in the rental property, such as noise or damage. Asking questions about pet habits, training, size, age, and breed can be helpful when screening prospective tenants with pets.