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Prior Rental History Guidelines

 

Can the applicant, will the applicant, follow my rental agreement?

 

 

No matter how qualified the applicant economically, it does an owner no good to have a destructive, rude, inconsiderate person or family move in to their property. The result is damaged property at best, and at worst, you will loose good residents who have no interest in living next to an obnoxious, inconsiderate neighbor.

Every adult applicant should have their prior landlord(s) called. A set of standardized questions should be asked and the responses documented. You will note all of our questions are factually based and the information should be contained in the unit file. No personal opinions or assessments are requested. Typical questions we recommend are:

  1. When did the applicant move into your property?
  2. Confirm the unit address?
  3. Have they moved out or given notice?
  4. If already moved or notice given: How much notice did they provide?
  5. How much monthly rent did they pay?
  6. Have they ever paid late? If so, how many times?
  7. Have any of their checks bounced? If so, how many times?
  8. Have all imposed administrative fees (such as late fees, NSF fees) been paid, and paid on time?
  9. Was the full security deposit refunded? Or if not yet, do you expect to fully refund the security deposit?
  10. Have you ever received a written complaint regarding this tenant?
  11. Have you ever called the police to assist with a problem with this tenant?
  12. Are you related by blood, marriage or other family relationship to the applicant?
  13. Is this applicant eligible for re-rental at your building/complex/community?
  14. Have you ever served a 3-Day or 30-Day notice to vacate to this applicant?

Other questions can also be developed as long as they are non-discriminatory. Owners should develop a set of answers that are required as a minimum for acceptable rental. For example, a single late payment might be acceptable, but three are unacceptable. A 3-Day notice served for non-payment might be unacceptable while a Notice to Vacate for an owner-move-in is acceptable.

 

 

Last Revision Date: 10.10.2008