31 Tenant Screening Questions You Should Be Asking

Whether you’re a landlord of a single apartment or manage multiple properties, you know how important it is to find secure, reliable, and honest tenants who uphold their lease agreements and make their rent payments on time.

To avoid any unfortunate scenarios that can add risk to your business, it’s vital to thoroughly screen all potential tenants before they move into your properties.

Let’s take a look at the top 31 tenant screening questions landlords should ask before accepting anyone as a future tenant—as well as what to avoid asking. Or, if you’re short on time, click below to download Lemonade’s tenant screening template.

What is tenant screening, and why is it important? 

Tenant screening is a vital part of the rental application process that can help you select the right tenant for your rental property. The process typically involves evaluating prospective tenants through a few methods such as background checks, credit checks, and reviewing rental history. By asking potential tenants important questions and reviewing their rental application, you can identify red flags like past evictions or lifestyle issues, such as unruly pets. 

You can safeguard your investment and maintain the quality of your rental property by thoroughly screening potential renters before a lease agreement is signed. Through effective tenant screening, both landlords and tenants benefit from a clear understanding of expectations, contributing to a successful rental agreement.

How to identify qualified tenants

The tenant screening process starts by advertising your available properties to bring in applications. To save yourself time and energy on the screening process, make sure to include your rental criteria in all advertisements. For example, if you only accept tenants who have renters insurance, mention this in your ads. This will help keep irrelevant applications from unqualified candidates to a minimum.

31 tenant screening questions to ask

Once you’ve found a pool of potential candidates, you can start the screening process. Keep in mind, that you want to maintain a good relationship with your tenants, and you can do so while still getting the answers you need. Keep the vibe casual, but make sure you hit the points below.

Logistics 

These are probably the most straightforward set of questions, but arguably the most important to start with. While these questions seem simple, they are essential to seeing if a potential tenant is the right fit. You can rule a potential renter out pretty quickly if their answers don’t align with what you’re looking for.

1. What date would you need to move into the new home? 

If your potential tenant is looking to move in earlier or later than when the property is available, you’ll be able to rule them out upfront saving you both time in the process. 

2. Is there a reason you’re moving at this time? 

This can provide insights into their motivations and stability, helping to assess if they’re a good long-term fit. This question can uncover whether the tenant is seeking a larger space, relocating for work, or resolving issues with a previous landlord, helping you predict their future rental behavior. 

3. Is there anything about your current rental situation that you really like?  

By asking this question, you’ll be able to gauge whether or not your property may be the best fit for them. If they say they love their current apartment’s state-of-the-art gym, and your property does not have this amenity, they may be happier elsewhere. 

A bonus when asking this question is that you can gain insights into what potential renters are currently looking for, and use the insights to make improvements to your property in the future. 

4. Is there anything you would like to see in your new home? 

This can help you quickly determine if the potential tenant will be the right fit for your property. If your rental unit doesn’t have an in-unit washer and dryer, and they disclose that having an in-unit washer and dryer is essential, they probably won’t be the best fit as your property doesn’t suit their needs.

Rental history 

Understanding a tenant’s rental history is key to gauging their reliability as a renter, offering valuable insights into a tenant’s behavior and interactions with past landlords.  

5. Does your current landlord know that you are planning to move? 

A potential renter’s answer to this question can provide essential understandings into their communication habits and transparency with past landlords. Understanding their dynamic with past landlords can help you assess if the tenant is leaving under positive circumstances, which is a good indicator of a smooth transition into a new rental agreement.

6. Are you comfortable with me contacting your former landlord as a reference? 

Often, if your potential tenant is comfortable with you reaching out to their former landlord it’s a green flag. It shows they have nothing to hide, and are comfortable with you gaining a deeper insight into their past behavior as a renter. 

7. Have you ever broken a lease agreement early? 

A lease is a contract between landlord and tenant, and if a tenant has broken one early it can be a potential red flag. It can indicate that they are unreliable, and may leave you in a bad spot struggling to find a new tenant for the unit before you’re ready to. 

However, it shouldn’t be an automatic deal breaker. Someone who has broken their lease in the past could be an excellent future tenant, who has a blemish on their rental history due to a one-off set of circumstances, such as needing to care for a sick family member. 

8. Have you ever been evicted? 

A prior eviction is cause for concern, since it may indicate that a tenant has struggled to pay their rent or has created other kinds of problems, from noiseiness to property damage, for other landlords.

Again, exercise your discretion here; it’s possible that a great tenant has simply had a single unfortunate experience in the distant past, so keep an open mind.

9. Do you have renters insurance? 

There are many reasons why landlords may require tenants to purchase renters insurance coverage.
While it isn’t mandatory by law, requiring renters insurance can reduce your own landlord insurance costs. That’s because renters insurance covers your tenants’ personal property and liability, making it less likely that you’ll need to pay costs out of your building’s insurance policy.

Pets 

Whether you allow pets to live on your property can depend on your preference or restrictions imposed by an HOA. If you allow tenants to bring along their furry friends, you’ll need to ask some questions before move-in day to make sure that they’ll be the right fit. 

As pets become increasingly popular among renters, many landlords find it helpful to conduct a dedicated pet screening process to get a full picture of their future furry tenants—which can include a more thorough review of pets, such as checking vaccination records, meeting the pets in person, and even asking for a pet resume. To make this easier, Lemonade offers a handy pet resume template that you can share with potential renters. Check it out!

10. Do you have any pets, or are you planning on getting a pet? 

If your potential tenant answers yes to this question, the rest of these questions will be essential in making sure they are the right fit. 

11. What kinds of pets do you have or are you planning to get? 

Once you’ve determined if you’re willing to accept some pets living in your rental property, you’ll have to determine what kinds of pets can move in. Perhaps your HOA restrictions allow small caged pets—like hamsters and lizards—but not cats and dogs. Or maybe you’ll allow cats but have restrictions on the size of the dogs allowed to move in.

12. How many pets do you have?

Once you’ve established your potential tenant will be bringing at least one pet along, you’ll want to quantify the amount of pets they have. Some rental properties may only be suitable for one or two pets. 

13. What size are your pets? 

You’ll want to make sure that your future tenant’s pet will be happy and comfortable in your rental property. A 200-pound Great Dane might not be the best fit for a small studio apartment but could thrive in a two-bedroom rental home with a fenced-in yard. If you have a size or weight requirement in the lease, this can also be a quick way to rule out a potential renter. 

14. What breeds are your pets? 

Different breeds of pets can have unique personality traits. If you’re renting out an apartment that you know has thin walls, you may be concerned if a potential renter has a Husky as the breed is known to be very vocal, which could be a pain point for future neighbors. 

15. Is your pet housebroken, and if not are you training them to be? How has that training been going? 

No one wants pet waste to tarnish their home. If they state that their pet isn’t housebroken yet, it’s up to you if this is an immediate deal-breaker. Maybe they just bought a new Golden Retriever puppy, and are working diligently to train them. Asking this question will help you weigh the risk you’re willing to take. 

16. Do you keep your pets up to date on all vet-recommended vaccinations? 

A vaccinated pet is a happy and healthy pet. Keeping their vet up-to-date on vaccinations, shows that the tenant is responsible and prioritizes their pet’s health. Additionally, you’ll want any potential pets to be vaccinated against major threats, such as parvovirus, to keep the community safe. In fact, certain vaccines, such as rabies, are legally required in most states for cats and dogs. 

17. Are you willing to pay pet rent or a pet deposit? 

Depending on your lease, you may or may not require a pet deposit or pet rent. While we all love our furry friends, they can do some major damage even if they don’t mean to. 

A renter who’s willing to pay the extra fees indicates their readiness to cover potential damages caused by their pet and reflects a commitment to maintaining your property. No one can guarantee a pet will be a good boy or girl 100% of the time, but you can rest easy knowing you have the financial security to repair potential damages that may arise.

BTW, did you know that renters insurance can cover your tenants’ liability for injuries their furry friends cause to others, and in some states, it could help cover the costs to repair damage a tenant’s pet causes the rental. However, if a pet has a history of biting, or is deemed a “high-risk” breed in certain states, like Pit Bulls, a renters insurance policy would not cover the damage.

Occupants  

It’s the stuff of landlord nightmares: You sign a lease with one reliable person, only to suddenly find a dozen other unvetted tenants lugging their stuff in.

If you don’t ask, you might be unpleasantly surprised on move-in day.

18. How many people will be living on the property? 

The more family members or roommates living in a property, the more potential for damage in addition to the expected wear and tear. As a landlord, it’s up to you (and, sometimes, local fire authorities) to decide how many tenants you allow per unit.

Additionally, if any utilities are included in the cost of rent—meaning, you’re paying them out of pocket—you might consider limiting the number of residents per unit, as more people generally means higher costs. You may also want to check out these handy tips to keep utility costs low.

19. How many parking spaces will be required? 

An important question to ask if your rental property is located in a city where cars are essential to getting around. You’ll want to be sure that your property can accommodate the amount of cars your new renters are bringing along, and that they won’t take up valuable parking space from established neighbors. 

20. Are all occupants comfortable with having a background check? 

If you run a background check on your tenants, you’ll need their consent to do so (more on this later). If multiple people will be moving into your property, you’ll want to be sure you screen each of them.

Lifestyle 

While you cannot and should not ask your potential tenant sensitive personal questions (more on that later), asking about their habits that may affect the integrity of your unit is fair game. 

21. Do you, or any other occupants smoke? 

Some landlords have a non-smoking policy across the board, while others are more lenient. It’s important that your tenants adhere to your smoking policy, which you should include in your lease.

Smoking can cause both major and minor damage to your property, from fires to discoloring walls, and it can leave a lingering, hard-to-eradicate odor.

22. Do you often have guests overnight? 

Similar to having multiple occupants in a unit, having frequent overnight guests can come with additional burdens. More people in the unit can rack up utility costs and can accelerate wear and tear. If the frequent guests are unruly, you can run into problems with neighbors such as noise complaints. 

23. Are you comfortable following the community rules? 

If your rental property is located in a community with an HOA, your tenant will be responsible for following the rules of the community. You should have the rules list readily available for them to review, and confirm that they are comfortable adhering to them. 

For example, if the community poses longer quiet hours and your potential tenant likes to blast music until 10 PM, they may not be the best fit. 

24. Are you comfortable maintaining any landscaping or house maintenance as required? 

Some landlords choose to maintain the responsibility of keeping the yard of their property pristine, but not all. If your lease requires your tenants to maintain the upkeep of the property, including landscaping, such as trimming the trees on the property or fixing minor repairs, you should make this known to your potential tenants, and make sure they’re comfortable with the responsibility.

Income

Here’s the bottom line: You need to make sure that your potential tenant will be able to pay their rent. Having a reliable renter who pays their rent on time each month will give you confidence that you’ll be able to maintain the costs of owning your property. 

25. Where do you currently work, and how long have you worked there? 

Knowing that your potential future renter is currently employed, and for how long, will allow you to gauge their stability and income consistency. If they have a steady income, you can have confidence that they’ll be able to meet their rent obligations regularly. 

26. Are there any circumstances you foresee that could disrupt your ability to pay rent? 

Knowing of any potential disruptions in income, such as being on the hunt for a new job once your tenant moves in, allows landlords to anticipate and mitigate financial risks. Your potential renter may have a plan to mitigate any income issues and will open up a relationship that fosters communication and problem-solving. 

27. Are you willing to pay any rental application fees and a security deposit? 

Gauging willingness to pay rental application fees and a security deposit indicates the tenant’s financial preparedness and commitment. It reflects their understanding of standard rental procedures. 

28. Can you provide documentation of your monthly income? 

Requesting documentation of monthly income provides concrete evidence of the tenant’s financial capability to afford rent. This question helps landlords verify the tenant’s income stability and suitability. By reviewing documentation of their income, you can be sure that their financial situation aligns with your rental agreement. 

29. Do you have a co-signer or guarantor?

Having a co-signer or guarantor can provide an additional layer of financial security for landlords. It shows that there is someone else willing to take responsibility for the rent if the tenant is unable to pay. 

Both are a financial safeguard, responsible for making sure the rent is paid, but there are some key differences. A guarantor typically only steps in to pay the rent if the tenant defaults, while a co-signer is equally liable to make sure the rent is paid from the start of the lease term. 

Background 

Running a criminal background check, or a credit check, can offer valuable insights about a potential renter. However, you need to be careful when discussing such a sensitive matter, and make sure you adhere to any laws in your state. 

30. Are you okay with me conducting a background check or credit check? 

There are laws you’ll need to follow to conduct a background check. First, familiarize yourself with the Fair Housing Act and relevant local laws to ensure that you’re compliant and avoid discrimination. 

Some localities, like California’s Alameda County, have banned criminal background checks on applicants.

You’ll need written consent from the tenant, as well as a plan for what to do with the results. For example, do you plan to accept only tenants with no criminal background, or are minor misdemeanors okay with you?

When it comes to conducting credit checks, landlords are required to adhere to the guidelines set in place by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Checking credit scores and credit history is an important part of the pre-screening process because it gives you an in-depth look into potential tenants’ financial history. Be sure to have standards set ahead of time so you know what kind of credit score and credit history you want your tenants to have.

31. Are you willing to pay for the background check or credit check? 

If you do require a background and credit check, it’s up to you who should foot the bill. If you require your tenant to pay the fees associated with the service, you’ll need to ask if they’re comfortable with doing so.  

It’s important to note here, that you cannot ask a potential tenant if they have ever been arrested or charged with a crime. After performing a background check you can only base your decision on a prior conviction.

Understanding tenant screening laws 

The Fair Housing Act is a key law that prevents discrimination based on race, religion, gender, and other personal characteristics. It’s important for landlords to make sure their questions during the screening process respect these protections, which helps avoid legal troubles and supports a welcoming community for everyone.

Local laws can add extra rules, like banning criminal background checks in some places or adding additional protected classes such as those in the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s important to check your state’s laws to make sure that you are compliant during the tenant screening process. 

Depending on your state, the penalties for violating the Fair Housing Act can vary. Potential repercussions can include fines, punitive damages, and even prison time. As of February 23, 2024, the maximum civil penalty you could face for a violation of the Fair Housing Act is $25,597, if you have no previous violations. It’s important to note, that this maximum does not include the cost of actual damages, attorney’s fees, or other costs. 

When screening potential tenants, it is vital to adhere to the laws in your state. If you don’t, you could face some detrimental consequences. Unclear what questions are off the table? Don’t worry, we have you covered.

What not to ask potential tenants

Speaking of the Fair Housing Act: It’s super important that you know about the anti-discrimination protections for the law’s “protected classes.” These include:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex
• National origin
• Disability (both physical and mental)

Asking any questions pertaining to these categories is strictly forbidden. You also can’t deny potential tenants a lease just because they have children.

Additionally, depending on where you live, tenants may have additional protections under state or local laws, including for LGBTQIA+ tenants, age, and marital status.

While not a comprehensive list, here are a few examples of some questions you should never ask a potential tenant: 

• Were you born in the US? 
• Is English your first language? 
• I love your last name, is it Greek? 
• Do you go to church?  
• Are you looking to send your children to Catholic school? 
• This isn’t the best neighborhood, are you sure you can live here as a single woman? 
• Are you planning to start a family? 
• Would you like information about the local school district? 
• Would you need any special accommodation for a disability? 
• Are you married? 
• Are you gay? 
• Are you old enough to afford the rent? 

The bottom line? You’re well within your rights to seek out responsible tenants, but you can’t ask questions that are irrelevant to whether someone will be a good renter. Knowing your tenants’ rights—and your responsibilities—under anti-discrimination laws is vital.

How to create a pre-screening survey online 

Creating an online pre-screening survey is a smart way for landlords to streamline the tenant screening process. ​​Online tools like Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, and Jotform offer easy-to-use platforms to craft and share these surveys with potential tenants. Start by choosing your preferred tool and creating a new form to gather vital tenant information.

Utilizing these platforms, you can customize your survey with unique questions that reflect your lease agreement and can mark key questions, such as those regarding income verification, as required. These tools not only simplify your process but also help in collecting structured data, enabling informed leasing decisions.

Looking for more guidance when screening future tenants? Click below to download Lemonade’s tenant screening template.

How to screen tenants 

Once you’ve asked the right questions, it’s time to break down the answers you received. Landlords need to be able to interpret the answers to make informed decisions when selecting the right applicant. 

You should look out for certain red flags that might indicate potential issues. For instance, an inconsistent employment history can suggest financial instability, while reluctance to provide references or details about past addresses may indicate a history of conflicts with previous landlords.

Similarly, any mention of past evictions should be carefully considered, though not necessarily as an automatic disqualification, as circumstances can vary.

On the flip side, there are positive indicators that signal a prospective tenant is reliable. A stable income, confirmed through documentation, is a strong sign they can meet financial commitments. Additionally, clear and timely communication during the screening process reflects a responsible and proactive approach to renting.

When evaluating tenant responses, you’ll need to find a delicate balance of caution and open-mindedness. While it’s important to identify potential risks, landlords should also consider the full context of a tenant’s history and circumstances. 

Tenant screening done right

Knowing what questions to ask a tenant will help you to thoroughly pre-screen them. It will help you weed out those who don’t meet your selected criteria and pave the way for successful relationships with your tenants down the road.

And while you’re at it, why not consider a renters insurance requirement for your tenants? It’s a great way for both landlords and tenants to sleep easier at night—and with Lemonade, your renters can get covered in as little as two minutes.

FAQs

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A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC.  The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.