TENANT SCREENING

[Janne Zaccagnino]

I am new to investing and am building new rental houses. The new units are about 1700 sq ft with one and two garages and have 3-4 bedrooms, 2 baths and will rent for about $1300 - $1400 per month. 

 I'd like to know everyone's top 3 screening questions (especially any that you consider unusual) that you ask potential tenants as they inquire about your properties and how you may respond to a potential tenant's replies. 

Ex. 1)  How long have you been in your current unit? (If 1 year or less, say, 'I'm not interested in a short term tenant' and cut that tenant from your list of potential tenants)

Ex. 2) Do you make $ amount of verifiable income per month (3x the proposed rent of your available unit)? If not, say, "I'm sorry, I can't rent to you." 

I know these sound a little harsh on paper but I was trying to be brief but I know a guy who weeds out people by being this harsh. 

I am trying to formulate a list of real, usable screening questions and would like to avoid potential bad/professional tenants who are only out to get into your property and never pay another dime after the initial deposits. 

[Marcia Maynard]

Welcome to BP!

Check out the BP Resources tab. Under the File Place and under Other Documents you can find our complete Tenant Screening Questions document, as well as our Rental Criteria. That is a good place to start. Also, you can find our Property Rules there. We've owned and managed residential rental property for 20 years.

Happy Investing!

Happy Landlording!