“Good tenants are like gold—rare, valuable, and worth the effort to find.” As a landlord in Puyallup, you know that finding the right tenant can make or break your rental business.
But here’s the catch: asking the wrong questions during the tenant screening can land you in hot water. Not only could you face legal consequences, but you might also tarnish your reputation as a fair and professional landlord.
This guide will help you navigate tenant screening while avoiding common screening mistakes and complying with the Fair Housing Act.
We’ll break down the questions you should never ask, explain why they’re problematic, and provide legal alternatives to gather the necessary information.
Key Takeaways
Avoid illegal questions that violate the Fair Housing Act to protect your business and reputation.
Focus on legal tenant screening practices to assess applicants fairly and effectively.
Use standardized processes to ensure consistency and compliance across all applications.
Introduction to Tenant Screening
Tenant screening is your first defense against late payments, property damage, and tenant disputes. A thorough and compliant screening process ensures you find reliable tenants who respect your property and pay rent on time.
Tenant screening involves evaluating potential renters based on their financial stability, rental history, and background. It’s critical to protect your investment and ensure a positive landlord-tenant relationship.
Understanding the Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act is a federal law that prohibits discrimination in housing. It protects tenants from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, familial status, disability, and other protected characteristics. As a landlord in Puyallup, compliance with this law is not optional; it is essential.
Questions Puyallup Landlords Should Never Ask
Asking the wrong questions during the tenant screening process can lead to legal trouble. Here are some examples of questions you should avoid and why they’re problematic.
“What is your race or ethnicity?”
This question is a direct violation of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race or ethnicity. Asking this question, even casually, can be seen as an attempt to exclude certain groups from your property.
What to Ask Instead: Focus on objective criteria like rental history and income. For example, “Can you provide references from your previous landlords?”
“What is your religion?”
Questions about religion are also off-limits. Even if you’re trying to make conversation, asking about someone’s faith can be perceived as discriminatory.
What to Ask Instead: Stick to questions relevant to the rental process, such as, “Do you agree to follow the property’s rules and regulations?”
Are you married or planning to have kids?”
This question violates protections against discrimination based on familial status. Making rental decisions based on whether someone is married, single, or has children is illegal.
What to Ask Instead: If you need to know how many people will live in the unit, ask, “How many occupants will be living in the property?”
Do you have a disability or medical condition?”
Asking about disabilities or medical conditions violates the Fair Housing Act. Tenants are not required to disclose this information unless they request reasonable accommodations.
What to Ask Instead: You can ask, “Do you require any accommodations to make the property accessible?”
What country are you from?”
Questions about national origin are illegal and can lead to claims of discrimination. Even asking about someone’s accent or where they were born is risky.
What to Ask Instead: Focus on their ability to rent legally by asking, “Can you provide proof of identity and legal residency?”
“Have you ever been arrested?”
While you can inquire about criminal convictions, inquiring about arrests is not permitted. An arrest does not indicate guilt and should not be used to evaluate a tenant.
What to Ask Instead: It’s better to leave this out of the conversation. Any criminal convictions that could indicate a risk to your property will be revealed through thorough background checks during your tenant screening.
“What is your sexual orientation or gender identity?”
Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited in many states, including Washington. Avoid any questions that could be perceived as invasive or discriminatory.
What to Ask Instead: Stick to neutral questions like, “Do you agree to follow the terms of the lease agreement?”
“Do you receive public assistance?”
Asking about income sources like public assistance can be seen as discriminatory. Focus on the total income instead of its source.
What to Ask Instead: “What is your total monthly income, and can you provide proof of income?”
Legal Tenant Screening Questions
Now that you know what not to ask, here are some questions you can legally include in your tenant screening process:
“What is your current monthly income?”
“Can you provide references from previous landlords?”
“Do you agree to a background and credit check?”
Tenant Screening Best Practices
Consistency is key. Use a standardized application form for all applicants and document every process step. This ensures fairness and protects you in case of disputes.
Tenant Background Checks
Background checks are essential for identifying red flags like criminal history or past evictions. Use reputable tenant background check tools to ensure accuracy and compliance with local laws.
Tenant Credit Checks
A credit check reveals a tenant’s financial habits, including their ability to pay rent on time. Look for a credit score that aligns with your rental criteria and watch out for excessive debt or missed payments.
Screen Smart, Rent Confidently
Tenant screening is more than just a process; it’s your shield against potential risks. By avoiding illegal questions and focusing on best practices, you can protect your property, ensure compliance with the Fair Housing Act, and build a reputation as a fair and professional landlord.
Ready to simplify your tenant screening process? SJC Management Group is here to make your life easier. From background checks ,maintenance, and accounting, we’ve got everything you need .
Don’t just look for tenants, find the right ones.
FAQs
Can I ask a tenant if they plan to have pets?
Yes, you can ask about pets, which directly impact the property. For example, “Do you have any pets, and if so, what kind?”
How do I handle a tenant who refuses a background check?
You can deny their application if a background check is part of your standard screening process, as long as this policy is applied consistently to all applicants.
What should I do if a tenant provides false information?
You can deny their application if you discover false information during the screening process. Always document your findings to protect yourself legally.
Other Resources:
Creative Rental Property Marketing Ideas to Fill Vacancies Faster
The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist for Every Season in Puyallup
