20 Questions to Ask Potential Renters

It's that time of year again. You're ready to find new renters for your apartment vacancies but aren't sure how to prepare. Instead of risking a lease with tenants who aren't a good fit for your building, come armed with these 21 questions to ask potential renters.

1. Why Are You Moving?

Get a feel for what a tenant's life is like by asking why they're moving. It's not necessarily a red flag for tenants to move around frequently, especially in a competitive marketplace with rising rents. Their answer could vary from wanting a new neighborhood to wanting a more modern apartment.

2. Do You Have Any Pets?

Some tenants may not know about your building's pet policy or might skim over any rules and regulations about their furry friends. It's best to ask upfront if they have pets and how many. If they have dogs, you can also ask about the breed and detail any restrictions. For example, you may have a rule against pit bulls or dogs that weigh over a certain amount.

3. Does Your Pet Have Any Behavioral or Medical Problems?

Even the friendliest breeds can have behavior or medical issues. A dog that constantly barks is incontinent or displays aggressive behavior will disrupt your other tenants and create quicker turnover in your building.

4. How Many People Will Live in the Unit?

Tenants may want to save money on having multiple roommates, even in a small apartment. Explain any limits on the number of tenants for a particular floor plan. You can also let them know about larger apartments or any discounts on the building on separate floors or with older amenities.

5. Do You Have a Rental History?

New tenants, or those who have been couch surfing, won't have a formal rental history. Discuss any options for a consignor and guarantor and make sure they understand the paperwork and documentation involved.

6. If Yes, Can You Provide References from Past Landlords?

It's common practice to require landlord references before prospective renters sign the next lease. Organized tenants may already have their references ready to go, but it's still important to validate anything they hand over.

7. Can We Contact Your Past Landlords With Any Questions?

Quality renters shouldn't have issues with you contacting past landlords. If they look uncomfortable, invite them to discuss the matter with you. They may have experienced tension with a previous landlord over outdated amenities or a rise in rent. Depending on their response, it may be a non-issue when it comes to signing a lease.

8. What Date Are You Planning on Moving In?

Landlords and property managers will better understand their inventory by asking when they want to move in. You may decide to prorate the rent for a few days to allow for a fresh paint job or carpet cleaning. Ask about their plans and any flexibility to address your needs accordingly.

9. Will You Need a Parking Space?

Parking spaces come at a premium in some cities. Even if you have ample parking, it's essential to ask if the renter needs a parking space. Document their vehicle to ensure your property is safe and secure and take this time to discuss parking rules, such as guest parking or how long the same car can park in the lot.

10. What Lease Length Are You Looking For?

A prospective tenant may only want a lease for six months while they figure out where they want to live permanently. Other tenants may request a two-year lease to avoid rental increases. Discuss the options in advance in case you don't have what they're looking for.

11. Have You Ever Had to Break a Lease?

Breaking a lease can be a disruptive and expensive process for both the landlord and the renter. Ask about their history of breaking leases and why. Needing to relocate for a new job is an understandable experience. However, breaking a lease because they didn't like the amenities may be a deal-breaker.

12. What is Your Monthly Income?

Your renters' monthly income could make or break your lease signing. If they don't meet your rental requirements, discuss whether they could use a cosigner, guarantor, or pay a higher security deposit. In most situations, landlords require tenants to earn 3x their rent.

13. Can You Explain These Unemployment Gaps?

It's not unusual to see some unemployment gaps on someone's rental application. Relocating for a loved one, going to graduate school, or taking a gap year to travel doesn't mean your tenant isn't financially responsible.

14. Can You Afford to Pay Our Application Fee Amount of $XX

New renters may not realize there are additional costs for application fees. Ask in advance before taking the time to start the lease signing process.

15. Do You Have Any Questions On the Application Process?

Give your tenants an opportunity to discuss the rental process by inviting them to ask questions. It will save everyone time and resources to be on the same page from the start.

16. Can You Afford to Pay Our Security Deposit Amount of $XX

Discuss the security deposit and how much renters should expect to pay. It's also wise to discuss conditions in which a tenant will lose the deposit due to excessive damage, failure to pay rent, or other issues.

17. Have You Ever Been Evicted?

An eviction could be a red flag for prospective tenants. Ask them how long ago the eviction was and carefully review their monthly income and credit report to ensure they're financially stable.

18. If You've Been Evicted, What Was the Reason?

Not all renters are evicted due to their own negligence. The eviction could point to an issue with a previous roommate, a medical condition that led to debt collection, or a bank foreclosure on the building.

19. Will You Be Smoking in the Apartment?

Whether or not you have a smoking policy, it's essential to ask if your renter plans to smoke and discuss any rules or limitations. If your area does not have an anti-smoking law, landlords can still limit or prohibit smoking anywhere on the rental premises or units.

20. Is There Anything I Should Know Before Running a Background Screening?

It's good practice to ask prospective renters about a background check for all the adults living in the household. Some tenants may not realize you're planning to run a background check and would prefer to apply elsewhere or explain their situation.

What Questions Can You NOT Ask?

There are some questions landlords and property managers shouldn't ask tenants, as doing so may put them at legal risk. Skip over any questions about service animals or their religion. That includes any questions like, "I love your accent; where are you from?"

Questions about kids are also a "No," in addition to a renter's age, race, or sexual orientation. Landlords also can't ask about renters' physical or mental disabilities.

Follow this rule of thumb: If you feel like a question may be inappropriate, it's best just to skip it or ask your lawyer first.

Final Thoughts

Landlords and property managers can save everyone time, money, and resources with a bit of prep work. Come prepared with all the right questions and find quality tenants you'll love to rent to!

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