Friday, April 25, 2014

Screening Tenants

We think it is very important to screen prospective tenants before leasing to them.  After years of hit or miss tenants, we have come up with an application and screening process that lets us know who we are renting too.  We do a credit history, background check, and have an application fee.

*Whatever criteria you come up with stick to it.  For example, we do not accept anyone that has had a felony or eviction. Period.  If we make an exception for one applicant then it leads to another and another.

I like this article from Bigger Pockets about questions they ask prospective tenants.  I'll admit that I have not asked the smoking question before, but we do get all the details about pets and emergency contacts.  We require a pet deposit too.

http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/04/14/tenant-screening-questions-ask/

What is your screening process?