A Quick Checklist: 10 Things To Review Before Renting

A Quick Checklist: 10 Things To Review Before Renting

   1. Driver’s licenses form all adult applicants.

Including licenses of applicants children who are 18 years of age or
older. Write down the address on the front and, if applicable, the back.

   2. Current landlord. You want to find out:

If the applicant gave proper notice

If the applicant paid on time

If the applicant caused problems

If the police were ever called to the rental

If the landlord would rent to him or her again

If the person listed s landlord really is the landlord

*Take these answers with a gain of salt, as this landlord may be trying to pass their problem off on you.

   3. Previous landlords.

Try to get the same information you ask of the current landlord.

   4. Credit report.

Be sure you decide, in advance, what you consider to be acceptable credit.

   5. Public records.

These records tell you if the tenant has been evicted, been sued by a
landlord or anyone else, or has sued a landlord.

   6. Criminal records.

These records tell you if your applicant was ever convicted of a
misdemeanor or felony. You’re especially looking for violent crimes,
drug crimes and crimes against property. Decide in advance if you will
accept applicants with a criminal record.

   7. Employment. You want to find out:

If the applicant works there

If the dates of employment on the application are correct

If he or she is full-time or part-time

   8. Blank spaces.

Look at the application when your applicant hands it to you to be sure
that all spaces are filled in to your satisfaction. If not, hand it back
to the applicant for proper completion.

   9. Missing dates.

Look at the application to see if dates of residence follow one to the
other with no gaps in rental history. If gapsexist, you need to know why.

  10. Missing addresses.

Remember, when you looked at the drivers licenses you noted the address
or addresses on it. Those addresses should appear on the rental
application. Likewise with the addresses on the credit report. Missing
addresses should mean automatic rejection.