Why It’s Important to Perform Reference Checks During Tenant Screening

By Sarah Gabot

I know you know what you’re supposed to do after you receive a prospective renter’s application for your rental property: perform a thorough and consistent tenant screening process. Some of you may be rolling your eyes or feel that you have good enough judgment to weed out bad tenants.

Unless you want to risk being accused of discrimination, it’s best to use a systematic tenant screening process that includes a reference check.

tenant verification

Still not convinced? A recent survey we conducted revealed that renters may not be as honest as we’d like them to be.

Not everyone is being honest. We asked renters, “Have you been dishonest on a rental application before?”10 percent of renters told us “Yes.”

Think about it: This means that out of 100 applications, ten of them could potentially be inaccurate and dishonest.

It’s because they don’t think you notice. Additionally, we asked renters if they thought that rental professionals thoroughly check rental applications. A whopping 36 percent of renters said they didn’t think so. If renters don’t think that you’re checking their application, this could give them more reason for dishonest renters to lie.

Use reference checks to fact-check your applicants. While most renters are honest on their applications, you’ll never know when you receive one that stretches the truth.

One great way to confirm the accuracy of an application is through a reference check. Talk to current and previous employers to confirm salaries. Call up the current and previous landlord to make sure the applicant was a good tenant. These phone calls, which will only take a few minutes out of your day, will help you make a more educated decisions to whether this tenant is a good fit for your property.

Source : rentjuice