I actually had one stutter and then tell me (it was a young couple) that his aunt didn't want them on her couch anymore LOL.See if they ask about laundry or about parking or look at how big the closets are - if they don't, they're desperate and are just looking for anyone who will take them.Nolo Press has a good book about screening tenants, too. 

She can also get some room dividers which are completely portable and stand alone to block off a section of the room.

I have had luck using a portable cellular-based alarm system such as Simplisafe.

We didn't see any damage to the floors, but just a bad odor, especially in her closet, which is where she apparently was hiding the cage.

Savvy tenants aren't going to just believe you when you say it will be cleaned and painted and in pristine condition and available on the day it's supposed to be - when they are stepping over someone dirty laundry.And, they won't feel comfortable looking inside closets or the garage, etc.And, there's the potential liability of your current tenant claiming some expensive jewelry disappeared during your walk-throughs.I know the idea of having to eat a month's rent in-between tenants hurts, but I truly believe you get better tenants, who will not be as likely to cost you in problems, if you clear out the last one, get the unit in beautiful show condition, then start showing it.  

And by not personally meeting them at an appointed time, and asking them why they're looking for a place to rent, and watching if they notice or care about how big the closets are, or what the parking situation is, etc., you could miss some big clues and red flags.  

Your family thinks it wastes time away from them ,the tenants think your evil and a greedy oppressor ,The city thinks your a profiteer trying to get bilk money from the townspeople.. my advice is don’t make it personal your just going to be let down when the tenant leaves you With no rent ,a dead hooker stuffed in the closet and  cat urine soaked carpeting 

All of my apartments have bi-fold closet doors.

We swapped the stairs eliminating a coat closet but creating a pantry! 

Even if you decide to not act on anything you find in order to keep your "good tenant", you should at the very least be aware of the skeletons, if any, in the closet of this new tenant.