Showing your rental and interviewing Applicants

In a previous post I emphasized the importance of providing a written application to prospective tenants. Several suggestion were made on what to include in a rental application and a FREE sample was available to current members of the Greater Salem Landlord Association www.salemlandords.org

Whether or not they decide to fill out the application there and now of take it with them and get back to you don't miss the opportunity to informally interview the prospective tenant before they leave your rental. This is a great opportunity to get a better know the prospective tenant
As a landlord, you have every right to ask a prospective tenant certain things. For example, you're entitled to know whether a prospective tenant is able to pay the rent you're asking, and to pay it on time every month. Keep in mind however there are also some things you should not ask. Learn the difference between appropriate and inappropriate questions before you speak with anyone who is interested in renting your space.

You can ask prospective tenants what they're looking for in an apartment, when they need it, and why they want to move. You can ask whether anything is wrong with their current apartment, what they do for a living, and whether they are of legal age to sign a lease.

You can ask if they've ever declared bankruptcy or been evicted. You can ask if they've ever been convicted of a crime. (Phrase this carefully — you may not ask if they've been arrested.) It's alright to check their credit and work history, and talk to previous employers to find out how much they made. You can even ask about outstanding debts — money they owe on a car loan or for credit cards.

Never ask prospective tenants if they've ever been arrested. An arrest is not the same thing as having been convicted of a crime. In the United States, people are presumed innocent until a judge or jury decides otherwise. Therefore, it is illegal to deny housing to anyone because they have been arrested.
What You Can't Ask

To avoid discrimination complaints, don't refer to anyone's sex, race, color, national origin, religion, or — even if they are obvious — disabilities. Don't ask about an applicant's age, sexual orientation, or family status (single, divorced, children). Never say you “prefer” mature tenants.

Treat all prospects equally — even if you should decide to take on a former homeowner with a less than sterling credit record. If you don't, that could imply discrimination and disgruntled applicants could file a complaint under local ordinances or state laws. Likewise, never arbitrarily raise the amount of rent you're charging or the security deposit you require for some prospects and not others. And don't make rent concessions for one person because you feel sorry for him. Everyone who comes to see the apartment is entitled to the same terms. Never tell someone that the unit has been rented when that's not true. Be honest and consistent with everyone who walks through your door.