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.