Pre screening questions

Landlord Discussion
1

After having to turn down a couple of tenants due to failing references or credit checks, would anyone mind sharing what type of pre-screening questions you ask, either as the auto-response, or before you agree to arrange a viewing?

Can I be so blunt as to ask if there is any reason why they feel they may fail the reference stage (either if they have CCJs or bad references) for example?

Thanks

2

be blunt and ask if any ccj etc

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This is my auto-reply:

Thanks for your enquiry about this property.
This is an auto reply to help me gather further information about you to help me consider your enquiry.
Could you please reply to answer these questions;

  1. What source of income do you have available to pay for the rent?

  2. What is your annual income, or combined annual income if you intend to rent jointly with another person.

  3. Have you rented a property before, and if so will your previous/existing landlord be able to provide a reference?

  4. Do you have a guarantor available if necessary to support any rental contract?

  5. When would you want to move in?

  6. Who would be living at the property if you were to move in, and how are you related to them?

  7. Do you plan to keep pets in the property, and if so, please provide details?

  8. Has anyone who will be living in the property got a CCJ, IVA, Bad Debt, or subject to bankruptcy proceedings?

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Thanks for sharing Karl - that looks just what I need. Appreciate your time.

5

my auto response has my phone number and asks them to call me (I don’t follow up anyone who doesn’t). I go through questions similar to those above but on the phone as I get a much better assessment of their vibe that way and they also don’t have time to prepare answers (i.e. fake them). My first question is Why are you moving and why do you want our property?

I also ask other questions including

  • Will you be willing and able to provide 6 months of statements for any bank accounts you have?
  • Do you have cash to pay deposit and first month’s rent?
  • How long are you planning to stay?
  • Have you already given notice if you are renting currently?

I never allow a viewing unless all these questions are answered satisfactorily. I never reference until I’ve done all the background checks myself i.e. verify employment etc and I don’t have any flags raised at viewing. Saves me a fortune!

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My pre-screening message is below:

Thank you for your enquiry.

We aim to get back to you within 24 hours of your message.

Prior to any viewing, please provide the answers to the following questions:
What’s your preferred move-in date?
How many people are planning to live in the property?
What is your relationship with any other potential tenants?
The rent is £1600. How do you plan to cover it? (e.g., regular job income, freelance work, savings, benefits, assistance from someone else, etc.)
What is your annual income?
Can you provide a guarantor if needed?
Can you offer references from your previous landlord and/or employer if requested?
Has anyone who will be living in the property got a CCJ, IVA, Bad Debt, or been subject to bankruptcy proceedings?

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Hi @EllBee,

We offer some guidance in our blog post about some best practices when vetting prospective tenants.