Which Tenant Screening Factors More Accurate Than Credit Scores?

Which Tenant Screening Factors More Accurate Than Credit Scores?

Johana Williams By Johana Williams · Reviewed by Peter Evering ·Jan 2018 ·2 min read

As an owner, you know that there are sometimes other holistic screening factors that can be considered more important than just a credit score and those other tenant screening factors include the following:

#1 – Are They Honest?

If a tenant is honest with you upfront about their past, including their job or rental history, this is an important factor to consider when screening them.

When you choose someone, who is honest from the start you can often have confidence in their ability to be a great tenant compared to someone who may have a “shady” background and wasn’t honest about it.

#2 – Are They Consistent?

Another important San Diego Property Management screening factor to consider is someone who was consistent from the moment that you first meet them. This includes them showing up on time for their appointment with you and proving that they pay their debts or other financial commitments on time when you review their credit score.

#3 – Can Their References Be Verified?

Besides honesty and consistency, another vital thing to consider when thinking about approving the application of a new tenant is if their background information is verifiable or not.

To verify background information, it’s best to call their personal / work contacts and then research those phone numbers and email addresses online to confirm that they do indeed belong to the individuals that your applicant provided as references.

#4 – Are They Patient?

Last of all, but most important, in an age where we have more tenants than rental properties available, it’s best to give yourself plenty of time to screen potential tenants because, if someone isn’t patient with you that’s a good sign that they may be a problem tenant once you are renting to them.

Get Help with Screening Tenants Here

For high-end management company help with screening tenants, or to speak with us about our property management service, contact Utopia Property Management today by calling us at (858) 598-1111 or connect with us online.

Johana Williams

Johana Williams

Regional Manager, Utopia Management

Johana Williams is a Regional Manager at Utopia Management with more than 20 years in property management and operational leadership. She writes about property management, landlord-tenant rules, and the rental market for Utopia Management.

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