Prospective tenant screening

[Matt Anderson]

Hi all,

In search of some guidelines for what is appropriate to ask in a prospective tenant pre-screen questionnaire (what amount of information do folks use for their own criteria, and where can I read about what is unlawful to ask in a rental application?).

I am moving out of my house hack and a bit apprehensive about getting quality tenants in place when I won’t be living in the home, so I want to make sure I am doing my due diligence with tenant screening (I also will be using a background/credit check service as part of the application).

I am also finding that with the marketing channels that seem successful in my market (craigslist and FB marketplace), I get a huge number of inquiries but it is extremely challenging to determine who is serious and who is not. I figure this pre-screen questionnaire will help with that and ease my concerns.

Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated!

[Tracy Minick]

In addition to the great suggestions we required that they provide us a copy of the 2 most recent paystubs to verify employment.  We are don't rent to people who have been evicted, we require 3 x the amount of rent and (don't laugh) we require that they have a vacuum.  I know it sounds funny, but in Washington if they don't meet your criteria you don't have to rent to them :)