Top Questions to Ask Potential Renters in Scottsdale

When you are renting a property to a new tenant in Scottsdale, you need to make sure you are getting the best tenant possible. Part of that comes from actually talking with the applicants to learn more about them and to gain some insight into whether they will make a good tenant or not. The following are some of the most important questions that you need to ask the prospects. Keep in mind that you aren’t playing cop and trying to grill a suspect for information! You just want to make sure that you are renting to the people who are right for your property.

Why Are You Moving?

This is a very important question, and yet it is one that many new landlords forget to ask. The answer can actually tell you quite a bit about the person. Perhaps they are moving for their job in Scottsdale, or they want to get a different sized place. Maybe they want to move closer to their children’s school. However, if the person starts to talk about how bad their current home is or how they don’t like their landlord, then it could mean trouble. Even though it is true that there are some bad landlords, talking badly about them to a stranger could be cause for alarm.

Do You Have Pets?

Ask if they have any animals that they want to take with them. If you have a no pet policy, then a pet would be a deal breaker. However, if you haven’t yet thought about the pet policy, talking with them about their pet could give you an idea of whether you want to allow pets. Keep in mind that some people are not honest when asked about pets. They also may answer falsely when it comes to the following question.

How Many People Will Live in the House?

Many people will claim that only one or two people will be living in the unit. However, they may plan to bring in friends and family members without telling you. While you aren’t psychic and can’t tell their intentions, you can make sure that they list on the lease the names and ages of everyone who they claim will be living there. Make sure that the lease also includes a clause that says how long guests can stay. This is typically between seven and 14 days.

Have You Been Evicted?

If they claim they’ve never been evicted, take note of any hesitations in their voice. People generally aren’t proud of this and many will try to hide it, even though you might be able to find out with a thorough screening. If they actually answer yes, it may not necessarily preclude them from being a decent tenant now. Ask how long ago it was, and see whether they take responsibility for what happened or if they try to blame someone else.

Do They Have Regular Employment or Income

Ultimately, it is up to you whether you rent to someone who has been evicted. If you do, make sure that you also look into the financials to make sure they can actually afford to live in your rental property in Scottsdale. You should not rent to someone who does not have any source of income, as you can be sure they will not be able to pay the rent on time, or at all in some cases.

Now that you know the main questions you will need to ask prospective tenants, you might be wishing that someone else could do it for you. Well, they can. Get in touch with a property management company in Scottsdale to help.