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Landlord Stuff > Landlord Help > Tenant Screening Tips
Tenant Screening Tips
I screen my own tenants. I tend to think that I'm a good judge of character. I've been wrong a couple of times, usually because I don't listen to my own instincts or take my own advice. These tips may help you if you manage your own properties.
-In your initial phone interview, be sure to ask "why" they are moving. If they fumble, stumble or complain about their current landlord, this may be a red flag.
-When you take their application, tell them you will be checking all references, employment history and credit history...ask them if there will be any problems with that. Listen and don't interrupt them. Silence is a powerful thing, use it.
-When you take an application from a prospective tenant ask to see their drivers license. Make sure the picture is the same person and that the address listed on the license is the same one they wrote on the application. Professional BAD TENANTS have other people rent for them.
-An anxious tenant needing an apartment NOW is a big RED FLAG. My experience is that tenants needing a place immediately either has recently been evicted or has some personal problems that will only get worse.
-Personally meet everyone that will be occupying the property. Make no exceptions.
- ALWAYS call the people listed as their previous landlords. Before you tell the person you call who you are, ask the following question: "Do you have any apartments for rent"? If the person IS a landlord– his usual answer will be either "I don’t have any apartments right now" or "Yes– I do have an apartment for rent" If the person listed as the alleged landlord doesn’t respond in this way, then they are probably NOT the landlord, but most likely a friend or relative.
When you "set the tone" up front from the first meeting, tenants will determine whether you are a professional landlord or professional pushover.
Fred Grunewald
http://www.nwapartmentsales.com
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