Tenant Screening Checklist
Experienced landlords know how vital it is to choose a tenant that is suitable to live in their properties. Most would prefer to have no tenant at all than to have a bad tenant. A tenant screening checklist can help to ensure your tenant is credible and trustworthy. In this article, we will give you a walk-through on how to craft such a list to help you screen through all possible tenants.
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What Is a Tenant Screening Checklist?
A tenant screen checklist is a type of list that helps landowners keep track of client information on a potential tenant. It is a great tool to use during the rental application process. Through the checklist, you will get to know and check the tenant’s credit history, criminal history, income, and eviction records, and many other vital details as regards the tenant.
How To Organize a Tenant Screening Checklist
As mentioned in a Forbes article, it is crucial to screen tenants because it can save you a lot of loss in revenue, court costs, and fees. With the help of a checklist tailored for this, you will be able to achieve this with convenience. Check out these tips on how to make a tenant screening checklist.
1. Create a Criteria
When making your checklist, make a set of standards that all tenants need to pass in the rental process. You can use a scoring system like questionnaires and surveys to determine whether a person deserves to become a tenant. It is up to you on how many boxes one should tick on your checklist, but make sure you have one to hold every applicant up to.
2. Include Categories
Putting categories in your checklist can help you remember what to check on your potential tenants. Types like their occupation, legal status, and personal details are essential to add in the format so that you won’t forget to ask them about it.
3. Include Payment Details
When screening your potential tenants discuss with them how they will be able to pay rent. Whether they can follow a payment schedule every 30 days or if they need specific arrangements. Including details on tenant payment can help you decide whether to accept people or not.
4. Keep It Organized
When designing the layout of your checklist, make sure to label and position everything. Use a table or allotted space to put all your data where you can see them. Doing this will make it easy for you to understand and look through the information later on when screening them.
FAQs
Should I discuss pets with tenants?
Yes, you should. When screening tenants, you must bring up the topic of having pets. Discuss it with them if you allow pets in your place. If they have or plan to have pets, discuss ground rules on how to handle them.
Is it okay to ask why a tenant moved out of their previous housing?
Yes, it is. As a form of background check, you must know why your tenant is seeking a new place. Whatever the reason is, it may be sensitive, but it is a detail you must know before accepting them into your accommodation.
What red flags should I look for while screening tenants?
One of the red flags you should look into a tenant is their criminal records. Have them explain their involvement in such situations and assess if they are the type to get into those kinds of trouble again while you screen them.
Whether you are renting out an apartment or a small dormitory, it is vital to ensure that all your residents don’t bring you any trouble. With the help of a well-made tenant screening checklist, you can ensure that you will have the good ones living in your real estate property for as long as possible. For more ideas, feel free to check out our other background check and routine inspection samples.
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