Questions to ask a potential Tenant

Let’s face it, tenant selection is not easy. All too often, some tenants may pass a credit check yet not
be good tenants. They may cause problems with their neighbours or other tenants, they may neglect
routine maintenance, they may vacate early. Bottom line, a credit check alone is not enough.

Get to know your customer, your prospective tenant early in your process. What are they looking for?
How does my property meet their needs? Will they abide by the terms of the lease?

So – what do you need to know?

1. Where are you coming from? What prompts your move?
   You are trying to find a comfortable, conversational tone to obtain the answer to the real question –
   “Why are you leaving your last place?”
   Moving for size, for a job, from another town or to have a pet are all good answers. Other good
   answers might be they like the area better, or to avoid noisy neighbours.
   Things you don’t want to hear.
   “We didn’t get along with our neighbours” – you will want to seek clarification here. Remember this is
   a conversation, not an interrogation. Sometimes it may be your prospective tenant who is
   responsible. Be sure to check their references.
   “Our landlord was terrible.” Let’s face it, there are some poor landlords out there. This is an
   opportunity to ask your prospective tenant about their experience. When you check references, be
   sure to get some feedback from their previous landlord. Perhaps it was the tenant who was difficult, it
   is possible the tenants are right. Your job is to determine whether any agreement you establish with
   your prospective tenant will be successful.
2. What is the most important thing you are looking for in a new place?
   This question gives you an opportunity to “pitch” the best features of your unit or suggest “this might
   not be a great fit for you then.” As much as possible be prepared for whatever your prospect says is
   “most important!” Do you know the transit service in your area, what about schools, shopping and
   entertainment? When the prospective tenant says “transit is most important” when you can provide
   good information, you remove a barrier, gain trust and establish yourself as knowledgeable and
   professional.
3. What is a deal breaker for you when it comes to a new rental?
   Just like the previous question, this one again lets you determine whether this prospective tenant is a
   “good fit” in your property. If the tenant is not a good fit, you will find that your tenant turnover is
   higher than it needs to be, High turnover is a killer when it comes to your bottom line.
4. How long are you looking to live in this area?
   You want customers are looking for longer lease periods. Remember, the lower your tenant turnover, the less likely you will have costly periods of vacancy, and the less time and effort you will spend looking for tenants and screening tenants, showing the unit and related administration processes. There are many other questions you can ask; many will come up naturally during your conversation with the prospective tenant. Remember, it is a conversation, not an interrogation! The first question sets the stage and the conversation that follows will help avoid future tenant turnover, complaints and reputational loss if thing do not go well with this tenant.

Consider Real Property Management – we can help!