In early 2023, 23% of renters were charged a late fee, according to research from the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. That’s nearly 1 in 4 tenants struggling to pay rent on time, and that means big trouble for landlords trying to stay cash-flow positive. The right questions to ask prospective tenants can help you avoid the financial headache of chasing down payments or dealing with lease breaks.
You’re here because you want control, confidence, and less chaos. That starts with knowing what to ask and how to read between the lines.
Every question in this guide is designed to reveal more than surface answers; they show how someone will behave once they’ve moved in.
Start strong, screen smart, and protect your property from costly surprises. Read on for the lowdown on top tenant screening questions.
1. What’s Your Rental History?
Past rentals speak louder than promises. Ask where they’ve lived for the past few years. Listen closely to how they describe old landlords, late payments, or disputes.
If someone moved every few months, you’d want to know why. Maybe there’s a pattern of eviction or conflict. Or maybe they’re still learning what being a good tenant means.
Don’t settle for vague replies. Ask for:
- Past addresses
- Landlord names
- Move-in/move-out dates
- Reasons for leaving
Then follow up. A short call to a previous landlord can expose red flags before a lease is signed.
Were they respectful? Did they pay on time? Did they cause damage?
Rental history tells the story, but no application ever will. Match what they say with what you see on the tenant background check. A reputable property management firm can help you with this.
2. Can You Explain Your Income and Employment?
You’re not looking for millionaires, just someone stable and consistent. Rent should be no more than a third of their monthly income. So you need to ask about work.
Start with the job title and length of employment. Ask if it’s full-time, part-time, or contract. Then look at the big picture.
Documents you should request:
- Recent pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Offer letters
- Bank statements
Don’t stop there. Ask what’s ahead. Will they be switching jobs or locations? Temporary workers or gig earners can still qualify, but only if the numbers back them up.
Use this step to match their story to the tenant applications. A confident renter can explain income without skipping a beat. If they hesitate or dodge, dig deeper.
3. Who Will Be Living Here?
You’re renting a unit, not guessing how many people will use it. Every adult who’ll live there should be on the lease. This protects you legally and ensures responsibility is shared.
Ask how many adults and children will stay, and also ask about:
- Any roommates?
- Partners?
- Friends “crashing for a bit”?
Get clear answers now to avoid disputes later.
Also ask:
- How many adults
- How many kids
- Overnight guests
- Pets or animals
Don’t forget to ask about any plans to add people later. Life changes fast, and new roommates, babies, or live-in partners can affect wear and tear and peace of mind.
Knowing who lives in your rental sets clear expectations from day one. Learning how to interview tenants isn’t about control; it’s about keeping things simple and fair.
4. What’s Your Credit History?
Credit doesn’t lie. It gives you a snapshot of how someone handles financial responsibility. A high score isn’t the only thing that matters, but consistent late payments or major delinquencies deserve attention.
Ask if they know their credit score. If they’re unsure, request permission to run a credit check.
You’ll want to see a pattern, not perfection. Sometimes a drop in score has a clear explanation, like medical debt or temporary unemployment.
Ask for details like:
- Credit score range
- Payment history
- Current debts
- Open collections
If their credit history raises concerns, give them a chance to explain. A strong conversation can reveal more than a number ever could.
A credit report shows how someone treats obligations, and that includes rent. Use it to complete the picture, not define it.
5. Can You Provide References?
Good tenants don’t hesitate when you ask for references. A previous landlord or employer can give you a quick look at reliability, respect, and behavior. A short phone call could save you months of preventable stress.
Start by asking for at least two contacts. One should be a recent landlord.
The other might be a current or former boss. Avoid friends or family, they’re biased and won’t give the full picture.
Look for:
- Recent landlord contact
- Employer or manager
- Relationship duration
- Willingness to talk
Then, follow up by calling those references. Ask if they would rent to the person again.
References often reveal things no application ever will. Don’t skip the conversation; it’s where truth usually surfaces.
6. How Long Do You Plan to Stay?
You want tenants who bring stability. If someone plans to move in a few months, think twice. Ask what their timeline looks like and whether they’ve moved often in the past.
Short-term plans could mean high turnover and more costs for you. Longer stays usually lead to fewer headaches. Use this question to understand whether your goals match theirs, and how dependable they’ll be when it comes to lease terms.
7. Have You Ever Broken a Lease?
This one uncovers red flags fast. Ask if they’ve ever left early, been evicted, or had a lease terminated. Their answer should come with context, not excuses.
Everyone makes mistakes, but patterns matter. How they handled past issues shows how they’ll handle yours. Use this to gauge their honesty, attitude, and whether you’re dealing with a renter who takes responsibility or runs from it.
Final Questions to Ask Prospective Tenants
Choosing the right renter starts with a clear, confident conversation. These questions to ask prospective tenants will help you uncover the facts, not just the friendly front. Ask smart, listen closely, and stay in control from the first handshake.
At Reedy & Company, we bring calm where others bring chaos, with 23 years in Memphis and 3,500 homes under our care. Our in-house team handles every detail quietly, expertly, and without fuss. Let’s connect and show you what worry-free renting feels like.
