What are the signs of a professional tenants?

[Jeff Howard]

We have just started renting our first house and, like anyone, we want to get good tenants.  We have had a few leads but they have all not qualified based on what they told us.  Too many dogs, did not want to pay that much rent, etc.  What I have noticed with many of them, they say things that i want to hear, for example.  "I clean houses for my current landlord and I am so glad your house does not smell like dogs"  or "We want to reduce the rent because we are going pay to have the grass cut."  Am I just being cynical?  I feel like I probably am.  Just curious how I can spot a professional tenant.

[Chris T.]

@Jeff Howard

A big red flag is they move often.

Trust your gut - like you're doing right now. Then investigate their background, credit and eviction records. Have your applicants pay for them.  

Ask plenty of questions and look for inconsistencies. 

When you call their past 2-3 landlords, always verify they're the owners of the property. Not their buddies pretending to be references.

Here're more tips on screening tenants

https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/2...