Tenant screening and selection is fundamental to being a successful landlord. A thorough screening process will give you the peace of mind that you’re doing business with a responsible and reliable person who will take care of your property during their stay and meet their obligations.
Despite its importance, independent landlords often overlook tenant screening. This can lead to tenant conflict, property damage, financial distress, and risk of liability that are easily avoidable by taking the time to do a proper tenant screening. Here are the most important aspects of the tenant screening process in Calgary you need to consider.
Tenant Screening Considerations for Calgary Landlords
First, remember that the tenant screening and selection process is regulated by the Alberta Human Rights Commission and the Residential Tenancies Act, and they aim to ensure landlords can select good tenants while guaranteeing a fair process with no discrimination. Familiarize yourself with the regulations so you can know what to ask from your potential tenants.
Tenant Screening Process Step-by-Step Overview
- Initial Inquiry
After a potential tenant contacts you expressing interest in your property, you can provide basic information such as rent amount, location, availability, and other relevant aspects, such as your pet policy.
- Application Form and Pre-Screening Meeting
You can request the potential tenants fill in the application form before scheduling a meeting to learn more about them beforehand. Here’s the key information you should ask in your form:
- Email and phone number;
- Occupation and gross monthly income;
- Current address, the time they’ve been living there, and the current rent amount;
- Current landlord contact information;
- How many people will be occupying the property;
- If you allow pets, ask for information such as type and size;
- Reason for moving and expected moving date;
- Job and personal reference contact information.
Use the form information to determine if a prospective tenant may be a good fit before scheduling a meeting. As the verification process can be lengthy and could cost you money if you choose to hire private reference and credit check services, you can request a reasonable application fee to cover the expenses.
The pre-screening meeting is an excellent opportunity to request clarification on the information you already have and, most importantly, assess the character of the potential tenants. Observe their behaviour and evaluate their interactions: If there are children, how do they behave?; If there’s a pet, it would be ideal if you could meet them as well. Attention to these details will give you a good idea of how the tenants will be.
- Rental Agreement
Once you select a suitable tenant, the next step is to sign a residential tenancy agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions of the lease, such as the rent amount, due date, security deposit, and other essential terms that will help ensure a positive and respectful tenancy.
- Move-In Inspection
Before officially starting a tenancy, conducting a move-in inspection with the tenant is necessary to document the property’s condition. These inspections can help avoid disputes over damages during the lease term and ensure your property remains in good shape when tenants move out. We’ve made available our signature move-in / move-out checklist items here.
Proper Tenant Screening Keeps Your Investment Safe
We can’t stress enough the importance of tenant screening. A thorough and transparent screening process can help build trust and positive relationships between landlords and tenants, ensure a steady revenue stream, and preserve your property’s good condition.
However, we know it can be a lengthy and time-consuming process. If you are short on time but want to ensure you get high-quality tenants, hiring a property manager company is the best solution. Property management professionals have the experience and resources needed to select long-term, responsible tenants on your behalf.
If you’re a Calgary independent landlord and want to ensure the best tenants occupy your property, reach out for a free quote.
