1. Why are you moving from your old place?
Start with an open-ended question to understand the tenant’s situation. Common reasons include job relocation, family expansion, or the need for a larger space. Red flags include eviction or disputes with previous landlords or neighbors, which could indicate potential issues in the future.
2. Are you okay with the monthly rent and security deposit?
Confirming that the tenant is comfortable with the rent and deposit helps avoid future monetary disputes. You can also use this opportunity to discuss move-in timelines, deposit payment schedules, and notice periods for early termination. Hesitation or requests for instillment payments may indicate possible issues down the line.
3. How many people will be staying at the property?
Ask for the exact number of occupants and include their names in the rental agreement. Fewer occupants generally mean less wear and tear, lower utility usage, and reduced chances of unauthorized subletting. It also helps prevent conflicts later.
4. Where do you currently work / do you have a permanent job?
This question helps gauge the tenant’s ability to pay rent on time. As a general rule, monthly income should ideally be at least 2.5 times the monthly rent. Additional questions can include:
- How long have you been at your current job?
- What is your position and work schedule?
- Do you have a time-bound contract?
- How far is your workplace from the rental property?
These details ensure the tenant’s stability and financial reliability.
5. Do you have any pets or lifestyle choices I should know about?
Pet ownership, smoking habits, or other lifestyle preferences can impact your property. Address these upfront to avoid conflicts later. Agreements about pet maintenance fees, restrictions, or penalties for violations should be documented in the lease.
6. How long are you planning to stay?
Understanding the tenant’s intended lease duration helps plan maintenance, brokerage charges, and property management. Long-term tenants reduce turnover and associated costs, while short-term arrangements may require repeated preparations for new tenants.
7. Will it be okay if I run a background check on you?
Background checks and police verification protect both the property and the landlord. Hesitation may indicate a lack of transparency. You can also contact previous landlords to verify:
- Duration of tenancy
- Timeliness of rent payments
- Major damages or complaints
- Reasons for leaving
What Not to Ask While Screening Tenants
Certain topics are sensitive and should be avoided:
- Questions about disability, race, religion, or sexual orientation
- Probing too deeply into sources of income beyond confirming ability to pay rent
Conclusion
Asking the right questions at the right time helps you secure a reliable tenant while avoiding potential issues. While not every answer will be perfect, giving tenants a chance to clarify doubts and negotiating mutually agreeable terms ensures a smoother rental process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A tenant interview is a formal conversation between a landlord and prospective tenant to assess suitability, financial stability, and compatibility with property rules before finalizing the rental agreement.
Yes, landlords can request bank statements to verify the tenant’s financial ability to pay rent. However, it should be limited to assessing affordability and not to probe into personal spending habits.
Yes, landlords can include rules about overnight guests in the rental agreement. However, these rules must be reasonable and communicated clearly to the tenant upfront.
Infinity Housing emphasizes that careful screening and clear communication are key to finding responsible tenants and protecting your property.
