Questions For Previous Landlords

Tenant Screening
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Questions For Previous Landlords

Denishan JosephPro Member
Member since 2020 · 3 posts · 0 votes

Hey all, I received an application from a potential tenant. What are some good general questions to ask the potential tenant's previous landlord? Want to make sure I am doing my due diligence in choosing the right tenant for my property.

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Colette Major
Rental Property Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2019 · 39 posts · 15 votes
2y

I would recommend attempting to obtain the contact phone number independent of the number that the tenant provides, i.e. website of the property. If that is not possible, attempt to ask a question that only the actual landlord would know, not just a friend/family member on the other end of the phone.

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  • Dave KushPro Member
    Frankfort, IL · Member since 2022 · 204 posts · 133 votes
    2y

    Good Afternoon!

    Here are a few to get you started.  Get specific and ask follow ups. These are somewhat general...

    Did they pay on time? How frequently were they late?

    Did you refund the whole security deposit or were there repairs?

    Were there any complaints from neighbors or police?

    Would you rent to them again (why/not)?

    Were they reasonable about repairs when needed (time needed, facilitating access)?

    Did they abide by the rules of the agreement?

    Why did they move?

    Two other small pieces of advice that are gold, as far as I'm concerned:

    After you've covered the basics ask, "Is there anything you can tell me off the record?" You will be surprised how often that will get you more information...often critical information.

    Second, if at all possible, try to get on the phone with the landlord prior to the current landlord.  If they are a bad tenant, the current landlord might say anything to get rid of them, but the landlord prior is under no such pressure.

    Good Luck. Let us know how it goes!

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  • Denishan JosephPro Member
    OP
    Member since 2020 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    2y

    Thank you so much!!!

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  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    2y

    Don't overwhelm the Landlord with too many questions.

    Did they pay on time?

    Were there any lease violations?

    What was the condition of the property when they moved out? Did they get their deposit back?

    Would you rent to them again?

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  • Sohail Bas
    Investor · Dallas TX · Member since 2022 · 16 posts · 8 votes
    2y
    Be mindful of the landlords time. I ask a few questions such as:

    -Communication - were they responsive to emails and calls
    -Property care - any major issues / did they leave the property in good condition
    -Reason for leaving - this would give you more insight if there were issues

    And always respect privacy if they are not willing to share. Hope this helps.
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  • Colette Major
    Rental Property Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2019 · 39 posts · 15 votes
    2y

    I would recommend attempting to obtain the contact phone number independent of the number that the tenant provides, i.e. website of the property. If that is not possible, attempt to ask a question that only the actual landlord would know, not just a friend/family member on the other end of the phone.

    2Reply
  • Matthew MorrowBusiness Member
    Investor · PA - NY - NJ · Member since 2019 · 674 posts · 235 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Denishan Joseph:

    Hey all, I received an application from a potential tenant. What are some good general questions to ask the potential tenant's previous landlord? Want to make sure I am doing my due diligence in choosing the right tenant for my property.


     When contacting a potential tenant's previous landlord, consider asking about the tenant's payment history, whether they consistently paid rent on time, how they maintained the property, if there were any complaints from neighbors, and the reason for leaving. You might also want to know if they would rent to the tenant again. These questions can help you gauge the tenant's reliability and suitability for your property. Good luck!

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  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Denishan Joseph:

    Hey all, I received an application from a potential tenant. What are some good general questions to ask the potential tenant's previous landlord? Want to make sure I am doing my due diligence in choosing the right tenant for my property.


    I recommend you include some of your key qualification criteria in the advertisement. For example, I mention that every adult must pay a $30 application fee, pass my credit/criminal background, make a combined income of 3x the rent, and whether or not the property accepts pets. Use the top three or four discriminators so applicants can screen themselves.

    Then you need to have clear screening criteria yourself. What's the lowest credit score you will allow? Do you check Landlord references? Do you verify their income? Do you know how to read the credit/criminal background? What if they have collections or judgments?

    Here's a detailed guide on how to screen applicants: Application Screening Guide

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  • Denishan JosephPro Member
    OP
    Member since 2020 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    2y

    Thank you everyone!! This is very helpful!

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