Tenant Screening: A Guide to Finding a Good Tenant

A tenant who fails to pay can cost you months of rent, legal expenses and time. A tenant who neglects the apartment leaves damage behind. A good, reliable and considerate tenant stays longer, pays on time and takes care of the property. In most cases, the difference is determined before the lease is signed.

Even before you request documents, a short conversation can tell you a lot. Ask where prospective tenants work, how many people will live in the apartment, why they are leaving their current home, how long they plan to stay and whether they have pets. Pay attention not just to their answers, but also to their consistency and transparency.

• Identity cards for all tenants who will sign the lease.


• Recent payslips, or, for self-employed applicants, an accountant's confirmation of income or a profit and loss statement.


• Recent bank statements, to assess financial stability and account management.


• Employment confirmation from the employer, where needed.


• Contact details for a previous landlord, for a reference.

A common rule of thumb is that rent should not exceed roughly one-third of the household's disposable income. This is not a legal requirement, but it is a useful indicator of the ability to pay even in a difficult month.

Look at length of service, type of employment and continuity of income. A tenant with a high but irregular income may pose a greater risk than one with a modest, steady income.

A conversation with the previous landlord is one of the most valuable screening tools. Ask whether the tenant paid on time, how they cared for the apartment and whether the landlord would rent to them again.

Consider household size, pets, any special intended use of the apartment and needs the property cannot meet. A poor fit leads to friction and early departures.

A guarantor provides an important layer of security, but only if they can actually pay. Ask guarantors for the same basic documents you request from the tenant, and make sure they understand what they are signing. A signed guarantee from someone without the financial means to honor it offers protection on paper only.

• *Pressure to sign quickly and move in immediately: What it may suggest*: The tenant may be leaving their previous apartment under difficult circumstances


• *Reluctance to provide documents: What it may suggest*: Concealment of financial circumstances or rental history


• *An offer to pay several months upfront in cash instead of undergoing screening: What it may suggest*: An attempt to bypass screening


• *Previous landlord details that cannot be verified: What it may suggest*: A problematic rental history


• *A discrepancy between declared income and supporting documents: What it may suggest*: Less ability to pay than claimed


• *More occupants than declared: What it may suggest*: Accelerated wear and tear and subletting

Screening should be based on objective criteria: ability to pay, stability, rental history and suitability for the property. Rejecting applicants on grounds such as origin, religion or sex is not relevant to their suitability as tenants and may expose you to discrimination claims. A professional, consistent screening process for all applicants is both fairer and more accurate.

Screening begins before the first inquiry. A listing with high-quality photos, an accurate description and the right rent attracts serious tenants. A vague listing with an excessively low price attracts many inquiries, often from unsuitable applicants. State requirements such as guarantors and the move-in date upfront so applicants can assess their own suitability.

An empty apartment creates pressure, making it easy to compromise. But an unsuitable tenant will cost you more than another two weeks of waiting. A simple rule: if a significant question remains unanswered after screening, such as income that cannot be verified or a previous landlord who will not recommend the tenant, it is better to keep looking.

Even the best tenant needs a good lease. Sign a lease that complies with the law, obtain the required security before handing over the keys, document the apartment's condition in an appendix with photos and transfer utility and municipal billing accounts into the tenant's name from day one.

Successful screening is only the beginning. Good tenants stay when they feel well looked after: repairs are handled quickly, there is a clear point of contact and communication is professional and fair. Retaining a tenant saves all the costs of re-letting, from a vacant month to marketing. It is therefore part of your investment in screening, not a separate issue.

At Flamingo, tenant screening is one of our core tools because thorough screening upfront significantly reduces risk. Our in-depth process includes financial checks, background checks, employment stability checks and an assessment of suitability for the property, alongside guarantor vetting and a legally compliant lease.

Want a tenant who pays on time and takes care of your apartment? Leave your details, and we will find the right tenant for you.