Tenants & Screening
Why Tenant References Should Never Be a Box-Ticking Exercise
A previous landlord's reference can be one of the most useful parts of tenant screening — but only if you ask the right questions.
Simply asking, “Was John a good tenant?” doesn't tell you very much.
A landlord who wants to end the conversation quickly may simply say yes. Others may be reluctant to criticise a former tenant. And sometimes the person providing the reference may not even be the landlord.
A useful reference should help establish a pattern.
• Did the tenant pay rent on time?
• Were there repeated late payments?
• Was the property reasonably maintained?
• Were there complaints from neighbours or the body corporate?
• Did the tenant communicate when maintenance problems occurred?
• Was proper notice given?
• Was the deposit sufficient to cover damage or outstanding amounts when the tenant left?
• Would the landlord rent to that tenant again?
The final question can be particularly revealing.
References should also be considered together with affordability, credit information, employment verification and the documentation supplied with the application.
No single check should carry the entire decision.
Good tenant screening is not about finding someone who looks perfect on paper. It is about gathering enough reliable information to make a properly informed decision.
LeasePilot Thinking
A tenant application shouldn't be approved because one box was ticked.
Good screening combines affordability, documentation, credit information, references and human judgement.
The objective isn't simply to fill the property. It's to start the lease with the strongest information available.
Own the Property. Not the Admin.
If you're a hands-on landlord who wants to remain in control of your property without carrying all the administrative workload yourself, see whether LeasePilot is the right fit for you.