By the “ Book “ - Valid non discriminatory questions to ask?

Question

- During your house showing, which questions do you ask prospective tenants?

- How do you get a feel on what kind of relationship you and the tenant will potentially have if you rent to them? Never want to find myself renting to an aggressive or dangerous tenant again.

Cassi Justiz · Answer

It is not discriminating as long as you are screening everyone the same way and applying the same criteria to all applicants. I won't take any renter that destroyed a place, regardless of whether it's a family with 3 kids, single guy, 90 year old grandma, etc. It's going to be a universal nope from me.

I require favorable references from previous landlords as one of my rental qualifications. It's on my application. If they don't have favorable references then they don't qualify. Period. Same situation for income. I require income 3x rent. If someone applies that has income of 1.5x rent they won't qualify.

Jason D. · Answer

@Bjorn Ahlblad If it works that's great! My concern was that you may lose candidates because they dont want to pay for an application in case they dont like the property. I'm the exact opposite.... I set up open house style showings and then take applications. I wont take an application until the prospective tenant has seen the property.

Interesting to hear others' strategies....

Cassi Justiz · Answer

I don't ask many questions during the showings other than very topical and relevant conversation. (When are you looking to move, how did you find the house, etc). I don't ask questions about family, kids, type of work, etc. Most of the time people will bring that information up, but I definitely don't start that conversation.

I get all of the info that I need from the application. I have a super detailed application and screening process, so I can get A LOT of information from that. Part of the application process is calling up past landlords for references, so that's one pretty solid way to get information about their behaviors. I also do a really thorough background check and docket search to see if there is anything concerning there.

Charlie MacPherson · Answer

@Cameron Riley I suggest that you start by reviewing your state's and the federal Fair Housing Laws.

Assuming that you're investing in PA, here's a link: https://www.phrc.pa.gov/Resources/Pages/Fair-Housi...

This page describes the federal requirements: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_e...

Here in MA (don't know about PA), the state hires "testers" who pose as prospective renters.  They actively try to trick landlords, property managers and agents into saying something that they can claim is discriminatory - and then they hit you with crippling fines.

Learn those protected classes and NEVER ask a question having to do with any of them and you'll be fine.

Cassi Justiz · Answer

@Jason DiClemente

That's my exact process as well. I don't accept applications until they've seen the house. I don't want to spend the time screening and approving a tenant to find out that a week later that actually don't like the house.

Bjorn Ahlblad · Answer

@Jason DiClemente The applicant has to be the one who pays; it is a qualifying step as well as information gathering. If the applicant does not want to spend the 40 dollars he/she is not committed, or is worried about past behavior. If they fail the LL should not pay anyway. I have gone both ways in thinking about it and have concluded the prospective tenant has to pay.

Some LL may feel they should be the ones to pay, and in their case that may work better for them.

Jason D. · Answer

@Bjorn Ahlblad do you pay for the credit and background checks?

Cameron Riley · Answer

@Cassi Justiz

Can I legally discriminate against certain behavior?

The family has 3 kids, I called the landlord, he said they destroyed the place...

Bjorn Ahlblad · Answer

We don't show until the applicant has filled out an application, and we have the results from background screening and credit report. Additionally we do employment verification, and prior LL calls and after all that has been done and the applicant has survived, then we will show. Our process is designed to eliminate prospective tenants. Doing things this way the prospective tenants are far more committed and show up as scheduled.

By the “ Book “ - Valid non discriminatory questions to ask?

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