To screen potential tenants, landlords should first identify the handful of most important qualities that distinguish an excellent tenant from a poor one. Some of these are beyond a landlord’s control – like the criminal or credit history of the applicant. Others can easily be ascertained before renting to somebody. The following are reasonable and practical items for landlords to ask themselves before renting to someone new:
1) Have they been good renters in previous places?
2) Do they have a steady income?
3) Do they seem trustworthy?
4) Are there too many people living with them already?
5) Are they able to afford your property, rent and security deposit, utilities and services charge, plus any additional charges you may consider (fees for late payments)
