4 Tips on How to Screen Tenants
Use a Rental Application
The first essential tip is to make sure you use a rental application. A rental application that goes the extra mile and requires a lot of information from the applicants will help you find trusted tenants. The sheer fact of requiring a good amount of information up front will automatically weed out many of the bad tenants. If a prospective tenant refuses to give information like their employer’s name or credit details, it might be because they have something to hide. Those that have stable employment and a good credit score won’t feel uncomfortable with letting you know.
Comply with the FHA
Another important tip is making sure you follow the Fair Housing Act strictly. This act says that you shouldn’t discriminate against potential tenants based on their background, religion, or race. You also have to comply with the code of ethics that the Fair Housing Act has created for landlords. When you follow it with all tenants, you’re protecting yourself from discrimination lawsuits and being fair. Besides the fact that you’re protecting yourself against legal issues, choosing tenants based on essential characteristics like their employment, credit score, or trustworthiness will protect you in the long run.
Meet Tenants Face-to-Face
Many rental deals are done over the internet, so the landlord sometimes never meets the tenant in person until they move in. This seems convenient at first, but it’s also quite risky. A best practice is to meet your potential tenants face-to-face so that you can know more about them and their personalities before making anything official. It also lets you put a name to the face. When you meet them, you can trust your instincts based on what you notice during the conversation.
Complete Background Checks
In conclusion, taking the time to screen your tenants will go a long way in protecting yourself as a landlord. One bonus tip is to ensure you don’t lie to potential tenants the same way you don’t want them to lie to you. By following these tips, the chances of landing with a good tenant are high.