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Are you looking to rent out your property? If so, we've got some great tenant screening questions you should be aware of.
There's a good amount of money to be made from renting out properties. And it's made far easier by having honest and reputable tenants.
If you have people residing in the property who struggle to pay rent or don't look after it, it's going to cost you a fortune. So, securing the best tenants straight away is key.
In this article, we'll share three of the best questions you should ask potential tenants before agreeing to let them move in.
1. What Date Do You Want to Move In and Do You Have Pets?
The first thing you need to do when tenant screening is to ensure you're not wasting each other's time.
If you have a date of when you want the tenant moved in by, then it's important that they can agree to this. If not, then you should end the conversation quickly and continue your search. At the end of the day, you want a return on investment quickly.
The same also goes for pets. If you don't allow pets inside your property, then ensure they don't own any. The worst thing you can do is spend time on viewings and paperwork only to discover they have one later on.
2. Why Are You Moving?
This is an important question that can help to identify red flags.
For example, if they hesitate to answer, they have likely been evicted from their last property. In this case, you should end the conversation and look for other people.
Good answers tend to be that they have outgrown their current property or want to live in a different area. This shows that they know what they want and have seen something of value in your property.
3. What's Your Monthly Income and Employment History?
Of course, it's important to know whether the potential tenant can actually pay the rent. Asking their income isn't rude and is a big part of the landlord tenant screening process.
Ensure that they are in a job that pays enough to cover the rent comfortably. If it seems like they'll struggle, then move on.
Also, it's important to enquire about their employment history. They'll only be able to pay the rent as long as they're working so, you want someone in a stable job.
Ideally, you want someone who has been in their current role for at least six months. Whereas, if they seem to bounce from job to job, then you should be cautious.
The Best Tenant Screening Questions to Ask
These are some of the most important tenant screening questions you should ask during your search. They're designed to narrow down the suitable candidates and eliminate the ones who may cause you problems.
Remember that you need to be positive about tenants before signing the agreements. If you have any doubts, then hold off until you've done further research.
Alternatively, why not let us take the responsibility of tenant screening off your shoulders? We're leading Memphis property managers, and we offer a wide range of services. Contact us today for more information.
