- Questions about rental history are some of the most important ones to ask during the application process. Some questions to ask on the applicant are: "Have you ever been evicted?" "Where have you rented in the past?" "Are you eligible to rent property again from your previous landlords?" and "Do you usually get your full deposit back once the lease is over?" These will all offer insight into the type of tenant your candidate will be.
- A tenant's financial history can be determine whether he should be considered for the rental. While past behavior isn't always indicative of how tenants will handle their rent obligation, it speaks poorly to their sense of fiscal responsibility if they have accounts in collections, unpaid student loans or medical bills, or defaulted credit cards. A major warning sign is if the tenant owes money to a previous property manager or rental company.
- Your applicant should have a steady job before being considered as a tenant. Ask questions such as "What is your weekly and monthly pay?" "How long have you been employed with this company?" and "What other expenses do you pay with your work income?" You may also ask to see previous pay stubs or a signed employment letter. If your potential tenant doesn't have a job, he should be able to show his bank statement with substantial savings or that he has another source of reliable income.
- Sometimes the lifestyle of the tenant can be just as important if not more so than his financial or rental history. Ask questions regarding the tenant's lifestyle, such as if he frequently entertains or prefers to be alone, works from home, frequently comes home late, has any pets or has a hobby that might affect his ability to coexist with neighbors. Slip these questions into conversation while viewing the location as opposed to including them on an application.
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