The Best and quickest ways to screen a tenant?

[Alli Issa]

Hey i just wanted to ask what are quickest  and most  efficient way find and screen a quality tenant. I have a 2/1 unit that i need to fill in.

Thanks in advance.  

[Gail K.]

Phone screening first.  Have your criteria written down and review it with an applicant when they call (I find few actually read these requirements when they are in an ad; for many, their eyes blur anything past the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you have listed).  Do they work and is their income the amount you require (for example, 3 times the rent)?  No history of evictions?  Ask them what you would find if you ran their credit history (it's amazing on what people will confess).  Where are they living now (if they say with "mom" that can be a big red flag); why do they want to move?

It's important to have your screening criteria written down and to follow it with each applicant.

In other words, let them talk.  It's amazing what people will tell you in terms of how they've mucked up their lives.   Some will think by telling you their sob stories they are tugging at your heart strings and this will make you want to rent to them MORE (it works the opposite with me; I'm not their friggin' social worker).

Don't simply agree with those that will tell you they want to see the place and won't provide any other information (I've found that's a red flag).  Don't listen to those who say they've got the security deposit and first month rent right now and need to move in ASAP (they're either being evicted or they've run out of other rental options because no other landlord wants them).   Typically that's the last rent you're likely to see from them.

If, after speaking with them your gut feeling is that this person would not be a good match as a renter you can either tell them sorry they don't meet the criteria for the rental unit based on income or eviction history (NOT on issues such as family size or anything that would violate Fair Housing laws) or you can suggest that they drive by the rental unit to get an idea of the size of the place and the neighborhood.  I often suggest this as some of my houses are in neighborhoods that applicants who go by the name of Jennifer or Sarah would likely not be comfortable living in.   If they call be back we can schedule a walk through but honestly, it rarely happens.

Gail