5 Questions to Ask Tenant Before Signing a Lease

Every experienced landlord would tell you that finding the right tenant is everything but a piece of cake. We all have heard those horror stories about late payments, renters who disappear with the wind, unruly cute pets, damages to the property, and more. If you find yourself now sitting in front of a pile of rental applications wondering whether your perfect tenant is somewhere there, we have some tips to help you in your deliberations.

Do ask questions. It’s like a job interview. Would you hire someone only based on the application package? No, right? At another stage of your life, that was your favorite place to live, and it deserves nothing but the most trusted tenants you can find. Interview your applicants. If you have never conducted such types of interviews, we can guide you through and offer you a list ofquestions to ask potential renters.

Tell Me More About Yourself

It is a good idea to start with this innocent question to break the ice. Listen carefully and watch for any discrepancies between what the candidate is telling you and what you have read in the application documents. People like talking about themselves, you know. Mind the eye contact and the body language. Someone who is not hiding anything will not be nervous, right? Do not forget to inquire whether the tenant has some noisy hobbies, like playing guitar or composing music. The odds are good that you do not want that elderly lady next door to complain about unusual noises.

Why Do You Move Houses?

There are plenty of reasons to change your residency, and not all of them are red flags. However, it is always nice to double check. Observe the reactions of the person in front of you. If he/she explains the reasons without hesitation and remains calm, then there is nothing to worry about. After all, in nearly all the cases people are moving out because they change jobs, split up with partners, have issues with former flat mates about some daily errands, etc.

What About the Credit History?

Talking about money face-to-face can be a little embarrassing for both sides. However, when it comes to giving your flat/house for rent for the next six to twelve months, you should not trust your first impression and your instincts only. It is always better to have something in writing that can cement your initial positive vibes about the tenant. Therefore, do not hesitate to ask about their employment history and income.

Is There Anyone To Recommend You?

Many people can control themselves very well and can mislead everyone on the first meeting. The body language is not a secret to them. In addition, their income statements, labor contracts, and credit history may look perfect. Still, there is this inner voice inside of you whispering that something is wrong. Being too suspicious and play Sherlock is not always nice, but if you think you need to check the person further, don’t hesitate to do that.

Ask your prospect to give you the contact details of the supervisor at work and the previous landlord. That is an everyday practice, and if the tenant has nothing to hide, he/she would not mind giving you some references.

Do You Have Any Questions?

Always, always give the tenant the opportunity to ask questions. At first place, it shows respect. Also, depending on the queries, you would be able to know this person a bit better. Listen carefully to the questions. You are not the only one who makes the decision, and healthy landlord-renter relationships require mutual understanding and cooperation.

Finding a tenant is easy. Finding the right one - not that much. That is why it is always better to meet the shortlisted applicants for your home in person and spend some time interviewing them. Come up with a list of tenants screening questions, don’t shy away from asking them all, and listen carefully to the answers you receive.