What Questions to Ask Tenants While Screening
Finding the right tenant is a numbers game. There’s one of you, an infinite number of candidates, and just so many hours of your time to get to know them. But if you are prepared and strategic about what questions to ask tenants, you can narrow down the candidate pool. By being thorough in the screening process, you’re doing potential renters a favor. You’re making a first impression, too, and are setting the tone for what could be a very long relationship.
You can save time by being straightforward in your rental advertisement. Clearly state the rent, especially if it’s nonnegotiable. Give details about the security deposit, be specific about your pet policy, and mention that you’ll be conducting background and credit checks. Any of those could be deal-breakers for applicants. Include the move-in date and how long a lease you’re looking for.
Before scheduling any showings, take some time for phone interviews with each applicant. In general, avoid “yes” and “no” questions; for instance, “How many felonies have you been convicted of?” should elicit more direct answers than “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?” Get as much information as you can by asking potential tenants these questions:
Why are you looking to move?
How long have you lived at your current residence?
How many people will be living in the unit?
Will you be living with anyone who smokes?
Do you have any pets?
How many parking spaces will you need?
May I contact your employer and former landlords?
Will you agree to a background and credit check?
Can you pay the application fee upon applying and the security deposit at the lease signing?
Have you ever been evicted?
What is your monthly income?
Are you planning to sublet?
How long would you live here?
Could anything disrupt your ability to pay rent?
Do you have any questions for me?
To stay on the right side of the Fair Housing Act, be careful not to ask these questions:
Are you planning to have kids? You can ask how many people they will be living with, but not their ages.
Where were you born and raised? It’s illegal to ask about country of origin or ethnicity.
Are you dating a nice man (or woman)? Tenants’ rights include privacy about their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Do you go to a church in the area? Religious affiliation isn’t a consideration.
Tenant screening is not a skill you inherit at birth. Developing a real instinct for renters takes experience and trial by error. That’s why it’s all about knowing what questions to ask tenants. Stick to the script.
