25 Questions Every Landlord Should Ask Potential Tenants

The tenant selection process can be pretty unpredictable. Sometimes you strike gold with the first applicant, while other times you have to go through several candidates before finding the perfect fit for your rental.

Whether you’re screening one applicant or a hundred, it’s key to have a thorough tenant screening process to find the right match. By asking thoughtful questions and adhering to proper screening steps, you can secure a reliable tenant who will respect both you and your property throughout the duration of their lease.  

You can ask these questions on a rental application, during a tenant interview (or as I call them, Meet & Greet), or both. They can be as broad or detailed as you like, covering topics from income to everyday living habits. It’s your opportunity to get all the information you want straight from the renter.  Remember to abide by the Fair Housing rules when asking questions.

Here’s a list of 25 tenant screening questions to consider for rental applications or pre-screening interviews:

1. Do you currently rent? If so, where?  
2. When do you plan to move out of your current home?  
3. Why are you moving from your current home? 
4. What are you looking for in a new place?  
5. Do you have a pet? If so, describe their type, breed, and typical behavior.   
6. Are you aware of our pet policy and are you willing to abide by them?  
7. How many parking spaces would you need?  
8. How long have you lived in your current home?  
9. Have you ever been evicted?  
10. Have you ever broken a lease agreement?   
11. Can I request a reference from your current or former landlord?  
12. How many people will be living in the unit?  
13. Will everyone living with you be able to pass a criminal background check?  
14. Do you or anyone living with you smoke?  
15. Do you have frequent overnight guests?  
16. Where do you currently work?  
17. How long have you worked there?  
18. Do you foresee any interruption in your income and ability to pay rent?  
19. Should I know anything before I run a credit check?  
20. Have you recently filed for bankruptcy?  
21. Can you provide evidence of your monthly income?  
22. Can you pay deposits upon signing the lease?  
23. Should I know anything before I run a criminal background check?  
24. Will you sign a (x) year lease agreement?  
25. Do you have any questions for me? 

Asking questions at this stage is a smart move. It’s also the perfect opportunity for your potential tenant to ask you theirs. There’s no better time to get to know someone than at the start of a possible landlord-tenant relationship.