What Do Landlords Look for When Screening a Tenant?
Many people who are looking for a new place to rent may be concerned about what a landlord is looking for in a tenant. Having a good idea of a landlord's screening criteria can be useful when deciding whether to apply for a lease.
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Financial Information
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Most landlords are concerned about tenants' ability to pay the rent on time each month. Some prefer that you have references who will verify that you have paid rent on time for at least two years and that your income is high enough to cover the rent and other living expenses. A rule of thumb is that your rent should be 30 percent or less of your income.
Credit Rating
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In some cases, the landlords will ask for a copy of your credit report, which indicates your record of your debt load and your track record for paying off debts. They may want to check your overall credit score to determine whether renting to you is a good risk.
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Special Conditions
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Some landlords may have special conditions for rental properties. Those may prohibit smoking in the rental unit, prohibit pets, limit the number of adults and children per unit, and so on. Some landlords may prohibit children, but that might violate state or local equal-housing laws.
References
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Another important thing that landlords may ask for is a list of references, particularly previous landlords, but also professional and personal references. They are looking for information about your character as a tenant.
Inspection of Current Residence
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In some situations, especially in upscale communities, you may find that some landlords want to check out your current residence to see how you live, your level of cleanliness, and how you care for the property.
Past Rental Experience
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Finally, one of the most important things that landlords look for when deciding on a tenant is that person's past rental experience. They want to know if you paid your rent on time, took care of the rental, got along well with neighbors, and if you have stayed in the previous residence for a long period of time. That shows them that you are responsible and will treat their property well.
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