All Forum Posts by: Brian Hellenbrand

Does anyone have a list of questions they ask previous landlords?  I am at that point in the process and want to hear the tips and tricks that have made your screening process successful.

 Kyle, thank you, this is why I needed this community.   I meant total income for everyone together but my wording was obviously terrible.  Thanks for picking up on that. I will reword the question

 I had this in there to make sure they don't overcrowd (2 people per bedroom), but now I am looking and see that it can be challenged based on size of the bedrooms and other factors.  I think Ill take that out as a screening question and just have them fill in that info on the application.  

 yes.  I live in the other side.

I had it posted for 5 hours and got 6 people contacting me about it.  So I would believe it is in a desirable area.  I live next door, so I want to make sure I have a good living situation.  I also have the rent lower than other comparable properties in my area because I know this is an intensive process.  

Hello, 

I was wondering if anyone could look over my screening questions to see if #1 they are all legal, #2 am I missing anything.  This is done before I do a showing or give them an application.  Here is my "plan of attack" to finding a renter:

1. Screening questions (listed below)

2. After passing questions, set up a showing, if they like the place have them fill out an application.

3. Call references to see if they qualify.

4. Those that qualify notify them that the last step is to run a credit and background check, I am going to use smartmove to do this.  I am thinking of letting them know one at a time so they don't waste their money if they don't get chosen.

Anyways...here are my questions:

• 1.Why are you looking to move at this time?

1. How many people will be living in the residence?(adults/minors)

• 3.One of the minimum requirements is 2.5 times monthly income for everyone over 18 on the lease, which is roughly $3,000 a month.Do you meet this requirement?
• 4.Another minimum requirement is being able to run a background and credit check.We use smartmove.com to do this. Will there be a problem with running a credit/criminal background check on all applicants over 18 years old at a cost of $35 to each applicant?
• 5.Do you have any pets? Y/N Can you give a brief description (ages/breeds/sizes)
• a.If YES and dog/cat meets criteria.Another requirement is us meeting your dog and making sure it gets along with our dog, will you be willing to do this?
• 6.Another requirement is rental references, can you briefly describe your rental history (where, how many years) and are you willing to give us references?
• 7.We require our renters to purchase renter’s insurance to protect you and your belongings.Will you have any issues proving you have renter’s insurance before signing a lease?
• 8.Does anyone that will be living in the unit smoke?
• 9.We use an online source for rent payment, will you have internet access and an email account?
• 10.Have you ever had an eviction in the past? If yes, explain?
• 11.Do you have any questions for me?

Thanks!

thanks for the quick response.

My current plan is to add $25/mo per pet.  I also would like to add $500 to the overall deposit, I just have to check to make sure it is legal in Wisconsin.  

So after being a landlord for two years I finally have to rent out my place as the tenant I inherited decided to purchase a house.  We have decided to allow dogs with certain restrictions.  One that is unique is we live on the other side of the duplex and have a dog, I want to put in as a requirement that we meet their dog/s with ours to make sure they get along.  I don't think there is anything illegal behind that but I just wanted to double check with the community!

Thanks!

Here are some websites I found that makes it easier to understand:

https://www.wra.org/WREM/Feb14/LandlordTenant/

http://www.mtfn.com/news-Joshua-Welsh-Wisconsin-Landlord-Tenant-Laws.html

When you add this to your lease or an amendment do you have to copy paste the whole section or may you briefly describe it and then cite the part of the new law that it refers to?