Top Tenant Screening Questions To Ask Every Tenant

Searching for tenant screening questions? If so, the quality of the questions that you ask prospective tenants is the best way to ensure that you’re going to rent to people who will be able to successfully live in your property for 12 months or longer.

In this article we will offer you several tenant screening questions that you should be asking your prospective tenants.

Top Tenant Screening Questions In 2024

Screening potential tenants is a crucial step in the rental process to ensure a positive and secure landlord-tenant relationship. Here are some screening questions you may consider asking every tenant:

Personal Information:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Social Security number

Contact Information:

• Current address
• Phone number
• Email address

Occupation and Income:

• Current employment status
• Job title and employer
• Monthly income
• Other sources of income

Rental History:

• Current and previous addresses
• Landlord references
• Reason for leaving previous residences
• Any evictions or lease violations

Financial Stability:

• Credit score or history
• Outstanding debts or bankruptcies
• Monthly debt obligations

Number of Occupants:

• Number of people who will be living in the property
• Any pets

Rental Preferences:

• Desired lease term
• Move-in date
• Specific amenities or features they are looking for

Criminal History:

• Any criminal convictions
• Explanation of any criminal history

Emergency Contact:

• Name and contact information of an emergency contact

Questions About Lease Agreement:

• Understanding of lease terms and conditions
• Willingness to abide by house rules and policies

It’s important to note that while these questions can provide valuable information, be sure to comply with fair housing laws to avoid discrimination. Additionally, always obtain written consent before conducting background and credit checks.

Don’t Forget To Analyze A Prospective Tenants Online Presence 

Let’s face it, everyone has an online presence in the 2020’s. It doesn’t matter the age of the tenant, their location, race or part of the country that they come from, it’s important to check the online presence of every prospective tenant just so you can learn more about them before renting to them.

Here are several points to consider when reviewing a future tenants online presence:

1. Consent and Privacy:

   • Always obtain the tenant’s consent before conducting any online searches or reviewing their digital footprint.
   • Respect privacy laws and regulations to avoid potential legal issues.
2. Social Media Presence:
   • Some landlords may choose to look at public social media profiles to gain additional information about a tenant.
   • However, be cautious not to make decisions based on protected characteristics, such as race, religion, or family status, which can lead to discrimination concerns.
3. Professional Online Presence:
   • A tenant’s professional online presence, such as LinkedIn, may provide information about their employment history and professional background.
4. Red Flags:
   • Be aware of potential red flags, such as posts indicating illegal activities, derogatory comments, or other behaviors that may impact their suitability as a tenant.
5. Verification of Information:
   • Use online information as a supplement to the information provided by the tenant rather than the sole basis for a decision.
   • Verify any information obtained online to ensure its accuracy.
6. Fair Housing Considerations:
   • Be mindful of fair housing laws and avoid making decisions based on protected characteristics or information that may lead to discrimination.

While a tenant’s digital footprint can offer additional context, it’s crucial to prioritize the information provided by the tenant directly and to use online information responsibly and ethically. Always adhere to relevant laws and regulations to ensure a fair and legal screening process.

At Portland Rental Management, we specialize in full service property management for Portland and the surrounding area.

To learn more about the services that we can offer you, contact us today by calling (503) 791-4610 or click here to connect with us online.