A landlord in California skipped proper screening and paid the price—over $100,000 in damages after their tenant turned the property into a “party house.”
As a landlord, you can avoid these costly mistakes by asking the right tenant screening questions. A thorough tenant pre-screening questionnaire and report ensures you find reliable tenants who pay on time, follow the rules, and respect your property.
Keep reading for a complete list of screening questions to ask prospective tenants.
Key takeaways:
- Ask tenant screening questions to assess income, employment, rental history, and lifestyle.
- Spot red flags like gaps in history or unwillingness to provide references.
- Pre-screen tenants over the phone to ensure only serious candidates move on to the next step.
- Follow fair housing laws to stay consistent and compliant.
- Protect your property and avoid fraud with a tenant screening background and credit check, eviction history, and income and employment verification.
Basic personal information questions
Start with basic details about the applicant to quickly filter renters before moving on to finances and rental history.
- Can you provide your full name and contact information?
This gives you a way to follow up and start the application process. - Who will be living in the rental unit (including children or pets)?
Confirming the total number of occupants helps ensure the property meets their needs. - Do you smoke or use any tobacco products?
If your property has a no-smoking policy, this question identifies early mismatches. - What is your current address, and how long have you lived there?
This helps you understand their housing stability and track record. - How did you find the rental listing?
Knowing where they saw the property can help you improve future marketing efforts. - Will anyone living in the unit have special accessibility needs?
This ensures you comply with Fair Housing laws and accommodate requests where necessary. - Are you willing to sign a standard lease agreement?
This sets expectations upfront and filters out tenants who may not commit long-term. - What is your preferred move-in date?
Ensure their timeline aligns with the availability of your rental unit. - Do you or any other tenants work from home?
This is useful to know if noise or shared spaces could become a concern.
Tip: Ask every applicant the same questions to maintain consistency and comply with Fair Housing guidelines.
Employment and income questions
Asking future tenants about employment history and income helps you assess their financial stability.
- What is your current occupation?
Understanding their job role gives you a snapshot of their professional stability. - Where do you work, and how long have you been employed there?
Long-term employment at a stable company often signals reliability and steady income. - What is your monthly income?
Confirming their income helps assess if they meet the industry standard of earning at least three times the rent amount. - Can you provide proof of income, like pay stubs or bank statements?
Documentation ensures their reported income is accurate and verifiable. - Do you anticipate any changes to your employment or income in the next year?
This question gives insight into future financial stability, such as pending job changes or retirement plans. - Are you self-employed or a freelancer?
If yes, request tax returns, recent invoices, or bank statements to confirm consistent income. - Do you receive any additional sources of income (e.g., alimony, child support, or rental income)?
Additional income can provide reassurance, especially if their main income is close to the baseline requirement. - Can you share your employer’s contact information for verification?
A quick call to their employer can confirm their current job status and role. - What is your work schedule like?
Knowing their schedule can help you understand if they’ll have consistent availability for property maintenance or inspections. - If applicable, are you currently on probation at your job?
This can help identify potential risks tied to new employment or job security.
Tip: Don’t rely on self-reported income. Choose a tenant screening service that verifies income and employment, including documents like pay stubs or bank statements that can easily be forged.
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Rental history questions
No one wants to deal with bad tenants. A rental history check ensures applicants have a record of paying rent on time and respecting property rules—key signs of a reliable tenant.
Ask:
- Where are you currently living, and why are you moving?
- How long have you been living at your current address?
- What is your current rent, and have you ever missed payments?
- Can you provide contact details for your current or previous landlord?
- Have you ever broken a lease or been evicted? If so, why?
Tip: Always follow up on references from previous landlords to confirm the applicant’s answers.
Credit and financial stability questions
A credit report for rental applicants shows missed payments, outstanding loans, and overall financial behavior. If a tenant hesitates to share this information, it is a red flag.
Ask:
- Are you comfortable with a credit check?
- Do you have any outstanding debts that could affect rent payments?
- Have you filed for bankruptcy in the past?
Tip: Make sure you get a comprehensive credit report and know where to look for warning signs of a risky renter. Read our blog for guidance: What do landlords look for in a credit report?
Lifestyle and property use questions
These questions give you a clearer picture of the tenant’s routine habits and how they’ll generally be using the property.
Ask:
- Do you plan to have roommates or long-term guests?
- Will you be running a business or working from the property?
- Do you have pets? If so, what kind and size?
- What does your typical daily schedule look like?
Tip: Clearly communicate property rules upfront to avoid misunderstandings later. If your lease has restrictions, mention them during the screening process.
Legal and background check questions
Asking if applicants are comfortable with a tenant evaluation background check sets expectations early and helps you screen responsibly without surprises after they move in.
Ask:
- Are you comfortable undergoing a criminal background check?
- Do you have any prior criminal records?
- Have you had any legal issues related to previous rental agreements?
Note: Use a reputable tenant screening tool for background checks that complies with federal and state regulations.
Maintenance and housekeeping questions
These questions encourage transparency. Tenants should feel comfortable communicating maintenance needs so you can take care of them before small issues turn into expensive fixes. A proactive tenant is more likely to help keep your property in good condition.
Ask:
- How do you typically handle property maintenance issues?
- Are you comfortable notifying the landlord immediately if repairs are needed?
- Do you plan to make any changes, like painting walls or hanging decorations?
Tip: Set clear expectations for maintenance responsibilities in your lease to avoid confusion. Also, include your landlord notice to enter policy that says how much notice you give before entering the unit.
Move-in logistics questions
These details help streamline move-in preparation. For example, knowing the move-in date allows you to plan inspections, cleaning, or repairs ahead of time.
Ask:
- When would you like to move in?
- Do you have the security deposit and first month’s rent ready?
- How long do you plan to live in the rental unit?
- Do you require parking or have multiple vehicles?
Tip: Verify that tenants have funds ready upfront to minimize last-minute issues. A landlord checklist for new tenants can help you keep track of move-in details.
References and follow-up questions
References provide additional insight into a tenant’s behavior, reliability, and financial habits. Landlords should ask for contacts who can confirm the applicant’s claims.
Ask:
- Can you provide contact information for your current or past landlords?
- Would you be comfortable if I reached out to your employer to confirm income?
- Do you have any personal references I can contact?
Tip: Check employer and landlord details to ensure you’re speaking to the right people. Remember to ask questions to verify employment, income, and rent payments.
Other tenant interview questions
A rental questionnaire helps you streamline the process and gather all critical details before signing a lease. Here are some other things to ask potential tenants after you cover all of the essential questions.
- Do you have any questions about the property, lease terms, or neighborhood?
This shows their interest and ensures transparency. - What amenities are most important to you?
Understand what features they value, such as parking, appliances, or storage. - Are you comfortable with the property rules, like quiet hours or maintenance procedures?
This ensures they agree to your house guidelines upfront. - How long do you plan to stay in this rental?
Gives you an idea of their stability and long-term fit. - Are there any specific requirements or dealbreakers we haven’t discussed?
Lets you know what they need and expect as a resident.
Tip: If you’re renting to elderly tenants, ask about their long-term housing needs and any specific accommodations they may require to ensure your property is a good fit. Always encourage tenants to ask their own questions. It builds trust and highlights any issues you might have overlooked.
Pre-screening phone call questions to ask potential tenants
A quick phone call can save you time before scheduling an in-person showing. For example, if an applicant’s budget doesn’t align with the rent, it’s better to know early. Instead of saving your questions to ask possible tenants for the showing, a pre-screening call helps ensure only serious candidates move to the next step.
- What is your name, and how did you hear about the property?
- What is your desired move-in date?
- Have you reviewed the rental listing? Does it fit within your budget?
- How many people will live in the property?
- Will all adult tenants complete a rental application and background check?
- Where are you currently employed, and what is your monthly income?
- Are you comfortable with a credit and background check?
- Can you provide proof of income, such as pay stubs or bank statements?
- Where are you currently living, and why are you moving?
- Have you ever been evicted or broken a lease?
- Do you have any concerns about paying the security deposit or first month’s rent upfront?
- Do you or any household members smoke?
- Do you require parking or have multiple vehicles?
- Are you comfortable with the property’s rules, such as quiet hours or HOA regulations?
Tip: End the call by summarizing the next steps, like scheduling a showing or completing the rental application.
Common red flags to watch for during tenant screening
Be cautious if you notice any of the following during the screening process:
- Inconsistent or unverifiable employment history
- Gaps in rental history or frequent moves
- Late rent payments or eviction history
- Unwillingness to provide references or undergo a credit check
- Poor communication or evasive answers
Fair Housing laws
Follow Fair Housing Laws during the tenant screening process. The Fair Housing Act, established in 1968, prohibits landlords from discriminating against applicants based on protected characteristics, including:
- Race or color
- Religion
- Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
- National origin
- Familial status (such as pregnancy or having children)
- Disability
You cannot reject or treat applicants differently based on these characteristics. Doing so could result in fines, lawsuits, or legal investigations.
To protect yourself and stay compliant, follow these steps:
- Standardize your screening questions: Ask all applicants the same questions to avoid bias and maintain consistency. Document their responses to create a clear paper trail.
- Avoid questions about protected categories: Never ask about family planning, religion, ethnicity, or disabilities. For example, avoid questions like: “Are you planning to have children?” or “What church do you attend?”
- Focus on financial and rental qualifications: Keep your questions centered on income, employment stability, rental history, and creditworthiness. For example, “What is your monthly income?” or “Have you ever been late with rent payments?”
- Provide clear written criteria for all applicants: Share a list of rental criteria with applicants upfront. This ensures transparency and reduces misunderstandings.
- Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities: Applicants with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations or modifications. For example, allowing service animals in a no-pet property or installing grab bars in a bathroom.
Bottom line
Choosing the right tenant upfront can save you from costly mistakes. A thorough tenant screening process helps you identify applicants who are financially stable, responsible, and respectful of your property.
Don’t settle for surface-level screening reports. Get complete, 360-degree profiles with Baselane’s tenant screening service — comprehensive criminal background reports, credit checks, eviction history, and income insights delivered in minutes. Get started for free!
FAQs
What questions can a landlord ask a prospective tenant?
Landlords can ask about income, rental history, and lifestyle. For example: “What is your monthly income?” or “Do you have pets?” These questions help ensure the tenant is financially stable and fits the property’s requirements.
What questions to ask for tenant screening?
Tenant screening questions should focus on finances, employment, and rental behavior. Examples include: “What is your occupation and income?” and “Have you ever been evicted?” These help landlords assess reliability and financial stability.
Always verify an applicant’s claims with a tenant screening service. With Baselane, you get instant criminal background reports, credit reports, bank-verified income and employment reports, eviction reports, ID verification, and rental history.
What do landlords look for when screening a tenant?
Landlords look for consistent income, a positive rental history, and good credit. They also check for any evictions or criminal records. These factors determine if a tenant can pay rent and follow lease terms reliably.
Baselane’s tenant screening reports include results from 1.8 billion criminal records and eviction history from the largest database of court records. Other reports have incomplete data, increasing your risk of renting to an unreliable tenant or ending up evicting squatters.
What questions to ask for a reference check for tenants?
When checking references, ask about rent payment habits, property maintenance, and lease compliance. For instance: “Did they pay rent on time?” or “Would you rent to them again?” This confirms the tenant’s rental behavior.
What questions should you ask when running tenant credit history?
Ask if the tenant has outstanding debts, missed payments, or past bankruptcies. Questions like “Do you have significant loans?” help landlords understand financial habits and assess if the tenant can meet monthly rent payments.
Request a credit check to verify their answers. Make sure you know how to review a rental applicant’s credit report so you can easily identify red flags.
What household questions to ask a new tenant?
Ask about occupancy and property use: “How many people will live here?” or “Do you plan to work from home?” These questions ensure the tenant’s household aligns with property rules and available space.
