6 Basic Questions to Ask a Potential Tenant Before Signing an Agreement
As a landlord, finding the right tenant for your property can be stressful. Before signing a lease agreement, it's important to ask some questions to ensure that the tenant is a good fit for your property.
Here are six basic questions to ask a potential tenant:
6 Basic Questions To Ask Tenants Before Signing
- 📦 When would you like to move in? It's important to make sure that you and the tenant have a similar timeline in mind. As a landlord, you may need some time for final touch-ups or want to fill the vacancy as soon as possible. Agreeing on a move-in date can save both you and the tenant time and hassle.
- 💸 What is your monthly income? A tenant's monthly income should be at least three times the rent. This means that your ideal tenant should be able to budget 30% of their gross monthly income towards rent. Gross income refers to how much someone makes before taxes. For example, if a tenant's income is €4,000/month, their rent should not be higher than €1,200/month.
- 🤔 Why are you moving? Take some time to understand the tenant's situation and the purpose of their move. Learning about your tenant's potential past issues can avoid trouble down the line. Follow up on this by contacting previous landlords or seeking a recommendation letter.
- 🐈 Do you have any pets? If you have a no-pet policy, make sure that the tenant understands and agrees to this. As a landlord, you have the right to prohibit pets on your leased premises. If pets are allowed, consider a pet deposit to cover deep cleaning or any damages caused by the pet.
- 👨👩👧👦 How many people are moving in with you? Make sure that the number of occupants does not exceed legal limits. According to the National Occupancy Standard (NOS), a maximum of two people can share a bedroom. Having five people living in a one-bedroom apartment is not something you're looking for. Flat sharing has become a popular option in Malta, allowing tenants to split the rent with their flatmates.
- 🧑⚖️ Do you know and understand rental laws? Check if the tenant is familiar with rental laws and understands their rights and responsibilities. There are differences in types of property leases, and their terms and conditions. Avoid misunderstandings by referring your tenants to the right resources, and don't hesitate to do so. Tenants appreciate genuine landlords who care about their rights and interests.
As a landlord, it's crucial to ask good screening questions when selecting a tenant. However, it's also important to trust your instincts and follow your gut feeling. Asking some of the right questions can save you a lot of hassle in the future.
Remember to verify all information you receive, but avoid going through anyone's personal belongings. 😉 Instead, try making a phone call or sending an email to confirm information.
Building a transparent relationship with your tenant can benefit you and your business in the long run.
By establishing a trusting and open line of communication with your tenant, you can prevent potential misunderstandings and conflicts in the future. Taking the time to establish clear expectations and requirements can lead to a successful and harmonious landlord-tenant relationship.
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1 "National Occupancy Standards Definition", Law Insider