Rental Property Investor · Denver · Member since 2021 · 74 posts · 53 votes
When you post your rental and start getting inquiries from renters, what are the best questions you ask to help you get to know them and if they're a fit?
Do you usually hop on the phone (or via email) and ask questions before a showing or do you ask during the showing?
Property Manager · Michigan Ctr, MI · Member since 2016 · 661 posts · 581 votes
1y
Hey Matt,
Great question—screening early can save you a ton of wasted showings and headaches. Here’s a simple process that works well for us:
1. Initial Contact: Quick Pre-Screen by Email or Text
Before a showing, ask a few dealbreaker questions so you don’t waste anyone’s time:
Move-in Date: “When are you looking to move in?” (If it’s 3 months out, maybe not a fit.)
Occupants & Pets: “Who will be living in the home?” and “Do you have any pets?”
Income & Employment: “What’s your monthly income and employment situation?” (We typically look for 3x rent as a baseline.)
Rental History: “Have you rented before? Any evictions?”
This keeps it quick, factual, and respectful.
2. Phone Call or Showing: Deeper Questions
If they pass the pre-screen, you can dig deeper on a call or at the showing:
“Why are you moving from your current place?”
“Can you provide landlord references?”
“Is there anything on your credit/background report we should be aware of?”
By the time they tour the property, you already know the basics and can focus on seeing if they’re a good fit personality-wise.
3. Consistency Is Key
Create a simple tenant pre-screening form or script so you ask everyone the same questions. This keeps things fair and organized.
As an aside: The earlier you screen, the fewer no-shows and surprises you’ll deal with. We handle 80% of screening before anyone steps foot in the property. Matt, I'll send you a DM.