10 Tips for Screening Tenants

When trying to find tenants, it is best to make sure they are the right fit for you and your property. That is why landlords need to screen tenants. But what does screening tenants look like? Here's a list of 10 Tips for Screening Tenants.

#1. Determine their budget.

One of the very first screening tools for screening tenants is to determine their budget. This means asking which amount they are willing and able to pay each month. 

Doing this allows you, as a landlord, to determine whether or not your place is within their price range.

This is sort of like the pre-approval process for homebuyers, as it makes sure no time is wasted showing the property to someone who can't afford it.

#2. Take note of first impressions.

This is the first and most important step; your first impression. When applicants reach out to you, and email, call or meet you, this is the time to pre-screen them.  This means paying attention to how they present themselves. If they sound professional, calm and courteous, you know you're on the right track.

You never really want to be judgmental, but sometimes you just get a vibe that you shouldn't ignore. 

#3. Find out if the applicant smokes.

Speaking of smoking, you should find out right away if they smoke. You can't discriminate against smokers, or deny them the home due to this. If you do, you, as a landlord, could get sued.

Renters 100% have a right to smoke till their heart's content. And you also have the right to make sure your property isn't damaged by cigarette smoke. Landlords have the right ask if a tenant is a smoker on application forms when they are apply to live in your rental property.

You are able to include a no smoking clause in your rental agreement. If you are acquiring a property, though, where a smoker has already been living, you don't have the power to tell them they can't smoke in the home. If they sign the agreement you have a bit more power at the landlord tentant board.

#4. Good credit is essential.

Having qualified applicants means having those that have good credit.

Without good credit, screening tenants can be difficult because you may not know whether or not they pay their bills on time.

It's best to check an applicant's credit score through the screening process before applying them for your rental property, as it can save you a lot of stress and complications in the long run and give you peace of mind that they will take care of your home.

#5. View their employment history.

Like good credit, applicants with a stable employment history are more likely to be reliable renters than those without one.

They also want to make sure that potential tenants have adequate income, which is around two times or more what rent costs, so if there were unforeseen circumstances such as loss of employment, applicants would still be able to cover rental payments.

Evicting problem tenants who haven't paid is a real pain in the ass, which involves going to the landlord tenant board and making a case, then having to wait until it is processed and then settled.

# 6. References from previous landlords.

Landlords should be wary of letting someone rent without knowing what type of renter they are, if they have damaged previous properties or failed to pay rent some time in the past. If they refuse to provide any references, and get upset that you asked for then, then you might want to just move on.

#7. Find out their ideal move-in date.

This will allow you to plan time to adequately prepare the space before they move in. But it can also be a telltale sign that something isn't right. If the candidate is urgently rushing and pressuring you, it could mean they were just evicted. If this is the case, do you really want someone who was just evicted to become your potentially troublesome tenant?

It's preferable to have someone move in with a good amount of notice given. Fast moves can lead to chaos and problems, while adequate time helps make sure you have order and smooth sailing.

#8. How many will be living in the space?

Make sure you know everyone who will be living in the property, and have an agreement written up with each of them. This makes sure each tenant is responsible for the home, and that all responsibility doesn't fall on just one of them.

#9. View their social media.

Google their name to see if they've been arrested. Check out their LinkedIn to see their job history, and if it aligns with what they told you.

Check out their Facebook to see if they look like they would have noisy habits, or maybe see if they have a picture of them smoking when they said they don't smoke, or have a pet when they said they wouldn't have a pet living there.

#10. ID and signed agreement.

This makes sure that you get each of their name, address, birth date, and other key information so you know they are who they say they are. It also lets the tenant know exactly what is expected of them while living in your property,  and it protects your property.

Good screening processes make for good relations with tenants. Tenant screening is important to find tenants who are trustworthy and responsible.