How To Screen For A Tenant

Choosing a tenant is the most consequential decision a landlord makes, and the law now has a good deal to say about how the choice may be made. Most landlords want the same things: a tenant who pays on time, treats the property with respect and reports problems promptly. The task is to identify that tenant lawfully.

Ask the right questions

There is much you may wish to know and rather less you should ask. Questions that remain both useful and lawful include: What is your ideal moving date? Do you plan to bring pets? How many people will be living in the property? What is your monthly income? Each yields information you can properly weigh in making your decision.

Set your requirements

Settle your criteria before you begin, and apply them consistently to every applicant. An honest and complete application, sound references, a good credit history and a respectful manner remain perfectly proper things to look for, provided each is assessed on the evidence rather than on assumption.

Referencing

References repay the effort: previous landlords or letting agents, employers past and present, and the referees an applicant has named. Respect the applicant's privacy throughout and stay within the data protection rules. If you have any doubt about how an application is being handled, whether you are the landlord or the applicant, speak to a legal professional.

About the author: Dr Aamir Nawaz, LLB (Hons), LLM, PhD, Solicitor, Barrister (np) and Notary Public.