• HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CONVICTED OF A RELEVANT CRIME?

Many property owners/managers see a background report as being more important than a credit report. You really must know who you are bringing into your community, as you have a responsibility to the rest of your residents. When you allow someone into your community who could potentially could bring harm to the other residents or the property, it can do a lot of damage to your investment in a short amount of time.

• HAVE YOU EVER BROKEN A RENTAL AGREEMENT? OR RECEIVED A NOTICE TO PERFORM OR QUIT?

If they tell you they have broken a lease ask them what happened. Sometimes circumstances dictate it to be necessary. I would recommend talking to the property management company to confirm all reason are correct and true. It will allow you to feel positive about your decision.

• HAVE YOU EVER BEEN EVICTED, OR EVER HAD AN UNLAWFUL DETAINER FILED AGAINST YOU?

If they answer yes to this one, you need to dig deeper into the “why” of this situation. There are circumstances sometimes which can be explained. Maybe their current financial situation has gotten better. You shouldn’t automatically just toss them out.

• MONTHLY INCOME?

The quick rule of thumb which many properties use is monthly income should be 3X the rent.  This may vary though based upon the asset class, and what other financial obligations the prospective resident has.

• HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE LIVING IN THE UNIT?

This one seems like a no brainer, but it’s really critical, as you don’t want too many people living in your units. Know the legal limit for your community and be sure all residents of the unit are on the lease.  If there are more renters in the unit, charge accordingly. Your expenses will be going up as well (i.e. water, wear and tear, etc…)

This is where you could find out about past issues ie: evictions and such. Ask why the move, and wait for the answer, as it can be all telling. Most likely they are moving to be closer to work, family, a favorite spot in your area, may be just up or down sizing.

• DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS?

If you don’t allow pets, and they have one, you saved a lot of time for everyone by asking this question upfront. If you do allow pets, but have restrictions ie: the number or size of pets, you can inform them of those restrictions.