If you're planning on renting your home for the first time, one of the keys to success with owning and managing rental properties is tenant screening because, the quality of the questions that you ask will help you choose the most qualified tenant possible.

In this article, we'll share with you 5 questions that you should ask potential tenants during the tenant screening process.

#1 – When Do You Plan on Moving In?

This question is important because, you have to know when the tenant is ready to move because, it could be that they have time left on their lease, and they won't be ready to move for a month, or they could be ready to move right away, so it's best to get this question out of the way so that you know the intention of the tenant.

#2 – How Long Have You Lived at Your Current Address?

The goal with this question is to find out the stability of the tenant. Ideally you want someone who will be committed to living in a rental property for one year, or longer, so it's best to find out how long they lived in their current property and if they may be inclined to move when their lease expires or stay longer.

#3 – Why Do You Want to Move?

Let's face it, it's not uncommon for every tenant to have a reason for moving, so you should not hesitate to ask a prospective tenant why they want to leave their current rental property because, the answer to that question may determine if you intend on renting your property to that tenant or not.

#4 – Do They Own Pets?

Although your rental property may be listed as a “no pets rental”, it's still important to ask tenants if they own pets because, some tenants may automatically assume that it's okay for them to rent a property with their pets, so it's best to address that question in advance rather than be unpleasantly surprised later.

#5 – How Many People Will Be Living in The Home?

Last of all, but most important, another tenant screening question that you shouldn't hesitate to ask is how many people will be living in the home?

There's no denying that in today's world, there are many large families that continue living together even after children have grown up and become adults, so it's best to clarify with the tenant how many people will be living in the home with them before you agree to rent your property to them.

Contact GoldenWest Management

At GoldenWest management, our team specializes in full-service property management that saves owners the time, money and household managing their rental properties themselves.

From the tenant screening, to rent collection, you can have Peace of Mind in knowing that your rental property will be professionally managed by a top property management company.

To learn more about the services that we can offer you, contact us today by calling 866-545-5303 or click here to connect with us online.