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The tenant screening process allows landlords to better understand whether an applicant is fit to rent from them. Most landlords know that if an applicant has a poor rental history, bad credit, or a record of scattered employment, they may not be the most reliable tenant. However, the warning signs aren’t always as obvious as we’d like them to be. To help more landlords find the perfect renter for their property, here’s how to spot tenant red flags during the screening process.
Ask the Same Set of Questions Every Time
Asking the same set of questions to every potential tenant helps you avoid violating any Fair Housing Laws and helps you avoid relying on gut instinct. No matter how reputable, honest, or reliable a tenant seems, you should always ask the same set of questions every time. This consistency provides you with the overall picture and helps you better determine whether the potential renter is telling you the truth and whether they’re the right fit.
Require Multiple References
The references a tenant gives you on their application are an invaluable resource, so you should always require multiple references. These references should be from past employers, landlords, or any other professionals they may be associated with. Ensure none of their references are from loved ones or friends, as these references may be genuine but not reflective of how the person handles professional relationships. Additionally, if you want to vet tenants properly, you must follow through and actually check their references.
Always Conduct an Interview in Person
Even though the tenant application will give you quite a lot of information about the renter, conducting an in-person interview—or at least one over the phone—is useful. Seeing someone or simply hearing their voice can make a huge difference in getting to know a person. During this interview, it’s worth re-asking some of the questions from their application or asking for clarification on some of their answers.
Cross-Check the Given Information
Once you’ve gathered as much relevant information as you can, it’s time to take a broad look at the facts and ask a few questions. Do their references match up with what they put on the application? Is their application in line with what they said in the interview? If any information doesn’t line up, investigate further. Then, if your research doesn’t provide any clarity, you’ve likely identified a red flag.
If you follow these steps precisely and consistently, you’ll be easily able to spot tenant red flags during the screening process and have responsible, trustworthy tenants in your rental unit.