www.REIClub.com – Tenant Screening Can Eliminate Tons of Landlording Hassles. Here Are Some Helpful Tips on How To Properly Screen Tenants. Hi, this is Frank Chen with REIClub.com, the only site you need as a real estate investor. Today I’ve got quick video on some helpful tenant screening tips that will help you with your tenant checks. Rental Application * Applicant provides photo ID * Don’t hand out applications – have the tenant complete the application on the spot. * Don’t let the applicant fill out the form – instead, ask the applicant questions while you complete the form yourself. * Charge a nonrefundable application fee (~-40) – separate the serious from the window shoppers. * Require applicant to sign authorization for a criminal background check Screening: At a bare minimum, screening tenants include: * Talking to the current and prior landlord * Verifying the tenant’s job or other sources of income * Criminal background * Evictions * Credit report Additional steps when you screen tenants: * Personally visiting the applicant in their current home – If you pay a surprise visit, you’ll be able to collect a great deal of information. * Talk to the applicant’s existing or old neighbors – they’ll provide a wealth of valuable information for FREE Don’t get tricked! – Falsify Identity → ask for photo ID and social security number card – Falsify prior landlord info/address * How much is rent, street address, how long tenant has rented for * Utility bill on current …
