7 QUESTIONS FOR PROSPECTIVE TENANTS

QUESTION 1:

CAN WE DISCUSS YOUR EMPLOYMENT RECORD?If the prospective tenant says no, you can eliminate him/her from the running and save a great deal of time doing so. If the prospect

says yes, he/she has given you permission to ask several key follow-up questions that may be awkward to ask without permission.

These questions give you key insights on the applicant’s stability and ability to pay the rent. Important follow-up questions include:

• Where are you employed?

• What are your duties?

• How long have you been employed there?

• Can we contact your company for a referral?

• What is your monthly net income?

QUESTION 2:

CAN WE DISCUSS YOUR MOVE-IN PLANS?As with employment, this question opens the door to probe areas that may be slightly uncomfortable to dive into without permission.

The reasons why a person is moving provide important insight: Is it because of a pay cut or a pay raise? Was he/she evicted? Etc.

Getting accurate information about occupants and pets can be challenging, which is why asking for specifics is important.

The key follow-ups here are:

• Why are you moving?

• How many people will be living here, and how are they related to you?

• When will you be able to move in?

• How many pets will you be bringing and what type of animals are they?

QUESTION 3:

CAN WE RUN A COMPLETE BACKGROUND CHECK?Written consent is necessary to execute a background check. If the applicant denies consent, you can eliminate him/her —

and probably dodge a bullet. A poor credit score, problematic rental history, criminal issues, and/or an unstable job history may

disqualify an applicant.

QUESTION 4:

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THIS ISSUE THAT CAME UP DURING OUR BACKGROUND CHECK?If the prospective tenant says no, you can eliminate him/her from the running and save a great deal of time doing so. If the prospect

says yes, he/she has given you permission to ask several key follow-up questions that may be awkward to ask without permission.

QUESTION 5:

CAN WE TALK TO YOUR CURRENT LANDLORD?Basic fact checking keeps you from being misled or missing an opportunity. If the landlord has never heard of your applicant,

you can safely eliminate him/her. If instead the landlord gives a glowing review, you’ve likely identified a star tenant.

QUESTION 6:

CAN YOU PAY A SECURITY DEPOSIT AND THE FIRST MONTH’S RENT AT MOVE-IN TIME?This question provides insight about the person’s ability to pay promptly. Prolonged haggling or reluctance to say “yes” could indicate

a chronic cash flow problem that will make timely rent collection difficult. It’s better to identify these issues before the lease is signed

rather than two months in.

QUESTION 7:

WHY WOULD YOU MAKE A GOOD TENANT?Often the best way to get insight about applicants is to ask an open-ended question and let them talk. If an applicant offers specific,

compelling reasons — 10 years with the same company, a recent pay raise, an 800-plus credit score — you can get a handle on the

person’s priorities. If, on the other hand, the applicant has vague responses, it could be a danger sign. Some people are better talkers

than others, so don’t let a weak response close the door. Rather than rely on a single response, use all eight in concert — that way you’ll

get the full picture.

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