Ask if they currently have the cash for security deposit and first month's rent.Ask why they're moving and when they plan to move.Ask if they are indoor smokers, outdoor smokers, or nonsmokers.Ask if they have pets.Ask if they have ever been evicted or late on rent.Ask if they've ever taken a landlord to court.Ask if they've ever had trouble with bedbugs.Lots of these questions can be on an application really.The following isn't exactly what to ask them, but good tips seeing this is your first rental:Typically, the longer their story to you, you'll find the more they're hiding.If a couple breaks up or roommates fight, don't let them make it your problem.

My ozone machine comes in handy for dirty tenants , heavy smokers ,nd immigrants who cook /fry with weird ingredients .

Smokers tend to be smokers.

The following is my opinion, as a CA investor:- Consider pets & smokers- Remove wording in ad for credit check.- Post on several rental outlets.- Repost on CL once a day. - Add pictures of exterior.- Be patient!

Hi All, Does anyone know if it is illegal to have a NO PETS and NO SMOKERS policy in the rental application form and the lease agreement for Florida?

when your tenant is leaving, offer the tenant $10 if they keep the place clean during showing & $100 if it gets rented upon their departure.This one's from the Rob K book of landlording.another is make it a requirement to visit any tenant prospect's current place of residence as a condition of approval (if they're messy, clutter crazy, & the place smells like a chain smoker, deny them).

I hear the screaming kids in the background... the dog barking... the smoker's voice... and attitude.  

However, if you have a truly excellent single older adult, non-smoker, no pets, coming with little to no furniture, and he will be the only occupant, giving you a honking big damage deposit, plus he doesn't mind that you're gonna have it on the market while he's there, with showings, you might consider it. 

The Commercial tenant that is complaining or the weed smoker?

In any case, I found the following after she moved out:- Smoke/animal smell throughout the unit (she was a smoker and smoking in the unit was strictly prohibited and dog was allowed per the lease)- Carpet with cigarette burns and soaking wet at the time of removal (no telling how long its been like this)- Rear window has a broken pane (still functional as it is a double pane, but needs to be replaced regardless)- Holes in drywall- Replaced bedroom doorknob with deadbolt (because her middle school son was stealing cigarettes lol)- Backyard full of metal/wood fragments and general rubbish including shoes, a knife, batteries, fishing reels etc.