12 Mar Avoiding problem tenants: A landlord’s screening checklist

If you’re a landlord looking for a smooth rental experience, you need to find the right tenant. Easier said than done, we know. But to help you out, we’ve put together a handy landlord screening checklist so that you can avoid problematic tenants and instead find reliable ones you can trust. 

Set pre-screening questions – Before you allow a potential tenant to view your property, consider screening questions to determine their suitability. It’s up to you to decide what you want to ask but consider their employment status, rental history and reason for moving. 

 Verify income – By requesting recent pay slips, bank statements or employer references, you can easily confirm someone’s ability to pay rent on time. You may also want to request a credit check to reveal outstanding debts and missed payments. 

Request landlord references – As a landlord, one of the best ways to confirm the suitability of a tenant is to speak to previous landlords if they’ve rented before. This can give you a better idea about the tenant’s payment history, how they cared for the property and their behaviour. 

Carry out a background check – Checking for any previous evictions, criminal history or legal disputes can prevent any issues from occurring later down the line. 

Arrange a face-to-face meeting – Meeting them in person can help you to see their attitude and reliability. Trust your instincts though – if something feels off, then it’s wise to investigate it further.

 Create a detailed rental agreement – The best lease agreements outline rules, payment terms, responsibilities and any fines or penalties for breaches. It’s important to ensure that everyone understands the document and signs it. As well as this, a deposit can be used to safeguard against any damages or unpaid rent. Just be clear about the conditions for its return. 

 By following this landlord screening checklist, you can reduce the risk of unreliable tenants and instead find trustworthy individuals that will treat your property like home. What’s more, our team of letting agents and property managers go one step further to ensure that both landlords and tenants are supported through the rental experience. So, if you need any help, why not get in touch today?