3 Questions To Ask During a Tenant Interview

Landlords, individual property managers and property management companies like Taylor Equities, owned and run by Steven Taylor Taylor Equities, generally screen tenant candidates. This process usually includes an application, a background check, an interview and a credit check. The interview is especially important because it is an opportunity to judge a possible tenant face-to-face. Here are three questions a landlord, property manager or property management company should always ask in a tenant interview.

1. What Is Your Job and Monthly Income?

Asking a person about his or her personal finances may seem to be a prying, invasive action. It is, but it is also necessary and not uncommon when trying to weed out candidates who would be a bad fit for a rental property. Knowing the possible tenant’s job and income will help determine if the person will be able to pay the rent in the first place. It will also relay information about the person’s financial stability, as the ability to pay a month’s rent does not equate to the ability to pay a year’s rent, and some leases last a long time. Knowing if the person can continue to pay the rent in the future is also vital.

2. Why Did You Leave Your Last Home?

You should always inquire as to the reason behind a move. The reason may be innocuous, like changing jobs. However, it may also be something that signals a warning in your brain, like being evicted for breaking the rules of the last rental property. Motivation is not something that should be ignored.

3. When Are You Planning on Moving in?

The third question you should always ask is far less personal, but no less important. You should always ask the possible tenant when he or she wants to move in. Getting a tentative date will let you know how much time you have to prepare and help you plan.

Asking the right questions in an interview can help you avoid a lot of trouble, so remember to ask these questions when you are interviewing a possible tenant.