In our previous post, we talked about paying attention to the questions your tenants ask and whether they raise any red flags for you. In this post, we’re discussing a similar topic, but this time you’re the one asking the questions. Landlords often interview potential tenants as part of their screening process, which is good business practice. Seeing something on paper isn’t the same as hearing it from a person’s mouth, and there are things that can be revealed during an in-person or even phone interview that you just won’t get from an application alone.
More of What to Watch Out For
To start, you should have a ready list of questions to ask your applicants that will give you the details you need to make a good choice for your property. Some of these questions may include:
- Where are you currently living and how long have you been there?
- When do you need to move?
- Do you have a history of renting and do you have references?
- Will you be bringing in a pet and do you understand our pet policy?
- Who is your current employer?
- What is your estimated monthly income?
- Is there anything I should be aware of before running your background check?
There are tons of other questions you can ask as well, but these will give you a good baseline. Asking the questions is only one piece of the puzzle, however. The other piece is not only listening to the answers but reading between the lines of the responses.
What does that mean, exactly? When we’re speaking with someone face to face, it’s easier to detect discomfort and potential embellishments. Filling out a form makes it easy to fudge facts a little, but most people aren’t good enough fibbers to make those little lies believable in person. Pay attention to how they answer the question. Are they stumbling over their words often or refusing to answer the question directly? Are they being too vague? Pay attention to body language as well. Looking away while answering a question or nervous fidgeting are warning signs, as is stalling or changing the subject.
It’s entirely possible that some people simply don’t interview well and are acting nervous because they’re just nervous. That’s why the interview is only one part of the tenant screening process. Keep notes so you can refer back to whichever answers stuck out to you and cross-reference them with the screening and credit reports.
For help in selecting the right tenants for your properties, we recommend our RentalConnect. RentalConnect offers property owners and landlords a great alternative to the expense of full tenant screening. This service requires no on-site visit, sign-up, or membership fees, making it extra convenient. The service fee is paid by the applicant. Available 24/7, RentalConnect is fast, easy, secure, and delivers reports needed to make an informed decision, including a credit report, a national criminal search, and a national eviction search.
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