As a landlord, it’s important to be aware of the different tenant red flags that could indicate someone will not be a good tenant. For example, if a potential tenant is asking for a discount on the rent before even seeing the property, that could be a sign they are not financially stable.
Or if they seem hesitant to provide information about their past landlords or employers, that could be another red flag. In this blog post, we will discuss ten different red flags to watch out for when screening tenants.
1. They Don’t Make the Required Income
One of the most important things to consider when screening tenants is whether they make the required income. Landlords typically require that tenants make at least three times the monthly rent to qualify.
If a potential tenant does not make the required income, there’s a good chance they will struggle to pay rent on time. This is one of the biggest red flags to watch out for when screening tenants.
2. They Have Bad Credit
Another important factor to consider when screening tenants is their credit score. A good credit score indicates that a person is responsible with their finances and is more likely to pay rent on time.
Bad credit, on the other hand, could indicate that a tenant is not financially responsible and may have a difficult time paying rent on time. This is definitely a red flag to watch out for when screening tenants.
The good news is that hiring a property manager can help you discern which applicants have sufficient credit trustworthiness.
3. They Have a History of Evictions
If a potential tenant has a history of evictions, that’s definitely a red flag. This indicates that they have not been able to maintain a tenancy in the past and may not be able to do so in the future.
This is something you will want to consider carefully.
4. They Don’t Have Rental History
While having rental history is not always necessary, it can be helpful in determining whether or not someone will be a good tenant. If a potential tenant does not have any rental history, that may be something to consider.
They may have difficulty providing references from previous landlords or may not have a good understanding of what it takes to be a responsible tenant. This is definitely a red flag to watch out for.
5. They Have a Criminal Record
While having a criminal record does not necessarily mean that someone will not make a good tenant, it is something to consider carefully. If a potential tenant has a criminal record, you will want to research their charges to see if they are serious offenses.
You may also want to speak to their references to get an idea of their character. This is definitely something you will want to take into consideration before deciding whether or not to rent to someone with a criminal record.
6. They Refuse to Sign a Lease
If a potential tenant refuses to sign a lease, that is definitely a red flag. This could indicate that they are not planning on staying for the full term of the lease or that they are not committed to the rental agreement.
7. They Have Poor Communication Skills
If a potential tenant has poor communication skills, that could be a red flag. This means they may have difficulty communicating with you as their landlord and may not be able to resolve issues in a timely or effective manner.
Final Words
These are just a few of the different red flags to watch out for when screening tenants. It’s important to remember that each situation is unique, and you will need to use your best judgment when deciding whether or not to rent to someone.