What Do Landlords Look For When Choosing a Tenant?

Since rental applications can be time-consuming and often require landlords to review numerous documents, it is important to make the right choices when selecting tenants. By following the tips presented in this article, you can ensure that your rental applicants are good matches for your property and will not cause any problems during their stay.

Learn how the rental application can help you screen applicants and make more informed decisions for property management in Gold Canyon.

What Do Landlords Look For When Choosing a Tenant in AZ

Considerations During The Prescreening

You have received some responses to your rental listing for a unit. Prescreening is one of the initial steps before submitting rental applications. It can save a lot of time. You can take the following actions in this step:

  • Take a look at an applicant’s public profile. This is the type of information you might find on a social media website. It can include visiting their Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn profiles.
  • Some of these websites contain historical information, photographs, and other general information you can use to learn more about them.
  • Call your applicants and have a conversation. Be approachable to your applicants and encourage them to speak up. Inform them of your screening criteria and be prepared to answer any questions they may have about the property.

You should know a little about your prospective clients long before meeting them. Investing a few minutes to conduct an online search or speak with the applicant over the phone can save you hours later. 

Gathering Rental Application Information

It’s always a good idea to use a vetted rental application when dealing with them. Vetted rental applications can simplify property management in Queen Creek to avoid making mistakes with tenants.

These applications almost always ask applicants for information that is within safe legal rules. This can help to avoid discriminatory practices against prospective tenants. A vetted application is designed to ensure that applicants provide information that cannot be used discriminatorily and to keep you from making mistakes.

The Importance Of Screening Reports

There are a few things to look out for when screening tenants. Aside from the obvious items on the rental application, some things require a more thorough background check. Of course, with the applicant’s permission, you can obtain a more thorough background check that can help you choose a renter in a well-informed way. The following are some of the more common screening reports:

  • Credit Scores
  • Background checks (convictions on record)       
  • Eviction history reports

Applicant Information Verification

Even if you got a rental application from a potential tenant, it’s only the beginning. You must still confirm their information. There are several approaches you can take here:

  • Identity verification – You want to ensure that your potential tenant is representing him or herself properly. A valid photo ID, such as a state-issued driver’s license or a valid United States passport, is helpful for Chandler rentals in Tempe. Remember you have the right to ask the applicant for these documents. 
  • Employment verification – You can request documents that attest to the applicant’s current and previous employment. Contacting these references can help you figure out whether or not an applicant is employed and not lying on their rental application. 
  • Their Income – One factor to consider when evaluating tenants is their income. You want to know if they can finance the lease payment, pay the rent on time, and pay any security deposit. If the applicant has been or is currently employed, you may ask for W-2 income statements or payment vouchers to verify that income.
  • Residence History – When reviewing your tenant’s residence history, keep in mind the length of previous residencies. You should also consider previous evictions and feedback from previous 
  • . This information can help determine how a tenant behaved as a resident. 
  • References – To learn more about an applicant’s background, you can contact their references. Family members, close friends, and even former or current coworkers can serve as references. References can help you get a better sense of a candidate.

When screening tenants, it’s crucial to learn as much as possible about them, especially when listing property rentals in Queen Creek. This can include everything from running agreed-upon screening checks to validating applicant documents.

In the end, your task is to find a good tenant using a rental application. As a result, it is critical to make a well-informed decision.

Reich Realty, LLC
6839 E Milagro Ave, Mesa, AZ 85209, United States
Phone: 602-561-5788
Email: [email protected]