What are the questions to ask and avoid when looking for a tenant?

Trusting anNew tenant with Just a few questions and some administrative documents is not always eeasy Make the most of the moment you meet them by asking the right questions that will reveal their reliability.

Determine who the candidate is

Before knowing who the ideal candidate is, you need to ask yourself this question in advance. The ideal candidate should closely resemble the profile you have in mind. They should align perfectly with your rental investment project. For example, do you prioritize students or someone more established in life? By knowing exactly what you expect, you’ll be better equipped to direct your questions during visits.

Questions about the candidate’s future and plans are crucial. By digging a little deeper, you may discover whether the candidate plans to stay in the rental long-term or if they are only seeking temporary accommodation. During your exchanges, you have every right to discuss the following topics :

• - Construction or purchase plans ;
• - Frequent or infrequent relocations ;
• - Recurring job changes, etc.

Without being intrusive, you need to be clever enough to get them talking, particularly about their future plans, while being aware that the candidate is under no obligation to answer your questions. Be cautious not to cross any boundaries. Since the last law amendment in 2014, it is strictly prohibited to address the following topics to avoid any discrimination in tenant selection :

• - Sexual orientation ;
• - Gender or gender identity ;
• - Religious, political, or union affiliations ;
• - Ethnic origins ;
• - Languages spoken other than French ;
• - Age ;
• - Family status ;
• - Health status.

Be meticulous about their financial solvency

For any rental and visit request, it is preferable to know in advance whether the candidate meets the necessary income criteria. Try to ensure the solvency of each candidate before scheduling visits to save time. Only a complete file, with information cross-checked and thoroughly analyzed, can help you choose a potential future tenant. The tenant's solvency is essential to avoid any issues. Here are some tips to protect yourself :

• - Verify the tax notice directly on the tax website ;
• - Check the company’s information if it’s a business or professional renting ;
• -Call the employer if the tenant is an employee ;
• - Ensure the coherence of the complete file (matching dates, individuals, etc.).

To delve deeper and better understand the tenant’s income, don’t hesitate to subtly question them in person. You can touch on various topics such as :

• - Their industry ;
• - The type of employment contract they have ;
• - The exact location of their workplace: Is it near or far from the property ?

To get potential candidates talking without being too intrusive, start a formal yet somewhat friendly conversation so the person feels at ease. Additionally, as they open up, the tenant may also share their professional ambitions, whether long-term or short-term.

The candidate’s previous residences

A final point to address, which can give you an idea of the candidates' profiles, is their last residences. By inquiring about this, you can try to learn more about their ability to respect the places they live. You can ask for details about their previous rentals, such as :

• - Reasons for their last move ;
• -Their relationships with former landlords ;
• - How long they stayed in their previous residence.

To find the ideal candidate, carefully review their income criteria, but don’t hesitate to start a conversation. By remaining both formal and friendly, you could learn a lot !

Source : edito.seloger.com