TENANT SELCECTION FOR LANDLORDS

Property viewings are a valuable opportunity to meet prospective tenants and begin building a positive relationship. Beyond showcasing your property, they allow you to observe how applicants present themselves, their level of interest, and how they communicate.

It is also a good time to ask general questions about their employment, intended occupants, and any other details relevant to the tenancy. These conversations can help you determine whether the property is a good fit for both parties before progressing to the next stage of the application process.

While first impressions are important, they should always be considered alongside thorough reference checks and objective screening criteria to ensure every applicant is assessed fairly and consistently.

Before undertaking formal reference and credit checks, it is important to gather some basic information from prospective tenants. This may include their current employment, rental history, household composition, whether they have pets, and any other details relevant to the tenancy.

This initial conversation helps determine whether the property is a suitable match and identifies any matters that may need further discussion, such as pet approval or specific tenancy requirements.

Throughout the application process, landlords and property managers should ensure all applicants are assessed fairly, consistently, and in accordance with New Zealand's anti-discrimination and tenancy laws.

Once you are satisfied with the initial information provided, the next step is to complete thorough reference checks. You can carry these out yourself or engage a professional property management company to assist.

A comprehensive reference check should confirm the applicant's identity and include references from their employer (where applicable) and previous landlord or property manager. At Excella, we also verify that the landlord reference is genuine by checking the property's ownership through online property title records, helping ensure the reference comes from the actual owner or authorised property manager.

Taking the time to complete proper reference checks helps you make informed decisions and reduces the risk of future tenancy issues.

In many cases, landlords will actually be faced with a good problem: two prospective sets of tenants who have equally positive credit reports and offer good prospects for your let. The question is, how do you decide between the two?

In this case, it is good to have a frank conversation with each tenant and let them know the situation. Tenants will be much more open about their intended term if they really want the property. It is also common that one tenant has another offer elsewhere and can happily back down, making the decision for you.

Tenant screening is a set of hoops to jump through, and if you combine your good judgement about basic lifestyle factors plus a formal reference check and a credit check, you should be in a good position to find the perfect tenants.