As a renter, you’ve probably heard the phrase “rental verification” either from your landlord or your property manager. As Northern Virginia property managers, checking rental histories is a big part of what we do to make sure we’re placing qualified tenants in a rental property. In this guide, we will discuss what rental verification means – and why it’s important – for both tenants and landlords. Additionally, we will include a list of rental verification questions commonly used during the rental verification process.
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Quick Answer:
A rental verification is when a landlord contacts a rental applicant’s previous landlord and past references to confirm and verify the rental history they listed on their application. A rental history report tells you about their past renting experiences.
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What is Rental Verification?
Rental verification might sound easy to understand, but let’s discuss it from two different perspectives: the landlord and the tenant.
Landlord’s side: When someone applies to rent a property, they provide information about where they lived before (addresses, landlord names). As a landlord, it’s critical to contact those previous landlords to confirm their statements. This provides valuable insight into whether you are dealing with a responsible tenant, or someone who might leave your property in shambles.
Tenant’s side: This verification process helps the landlord decide if you will be a reliable tenant who pays rent on time and will take care of their property. It is also an easy way to demonstrate the reliability of your own statements. Keep in mind, a good rental history can actually make your rental application process smoother.
How Rental Verification Works
A rental verification starts when a landlord contacts an applicant’s previous landlord to confirm and verify the rental history they listed on their application. Here’s how it works:
Application Submission: The tenant fills out a rental application form. This form usually asks for personal information like your employment details, previous addresses, and contact references.
- Proof of Income: Now, you need to show that you can afford the rent. This can be through providing pay stubs, bank statements, or a letter from an employer.
- Credit Check: The landlord can check an applicant’s credit score to evaluate their history of paying bills on time. A good credit score and report can demonstrate that the tenant is financially responsible.
- Background Check: Background checks include the landlord checking your rental history, criminal record, and sometimes even your social media profiles.
- Reference Checks: Then, the landlord contacts people you provided as a professional or personal reference (like former landlords or employers) to verify the information provided and ask about your behavior and reliability.
- Approval or Rejection: Based on the gathered information, the landlord decides whether to approve your rental application. If approved, you can proceed with signing the lease. If rejected, the landlord typically provides a reason. Most of the time, the reason relates to financial instability or a poor rental history.
20 Questions to Include on a Rental Verification Form
As a landlord, here are some of the great questions you can include in your rental verification form:
Do you currently rent? - Have you ever been evicted?
- Do you have pets?
- Does the tenant smoke?
- What is your monthly income?
- Why are you moving?
- Do you smoke?
- How long was the tenancy?
- What is the expected lease start date?
- Who will be the other occupants?
- Have you received positive reference checks from past landlords?
- Are you employed?
- Did you pay rent on time?
- Have you ever broken a lease?
- Was the renter a good communicator?
- Do you require parking?
- Have you ever filed for bankruptcy?
- Can you provide information about the property you are interested in?
- Can you provide your rental history?
- Can you provide details of your steady employment history?
For tenants, we hope this list of rental verification questions helps you feel more prepared for your next rental application. Remember, every landlord’s requirements may vary, so it’s a great idea to gather as much information as possible before renting.
Risks of Not Verifying A Rental History
Not checking a tenant’s rental past can be risky for a landlord. Ignore it and you might end up renting to someone who doesn’t pay rent on time, damages the property, or even causes other problems. Also, a tenant with a bad renting history could make it hard for other tenants too. So, thoroughly completing the screening process helps landlords make wise choices (and avoid problems moving forward.)
How Bay Property Management Group Can Help
If you’re a tenant and ready to rent, expect that you may encounter these questions we’ve mentioned above. With that being said, Bay Property Management Group in Richmond has a team of reliable property managers who can assist with anything you need throughout your rental process.
However, if you’re a landlord who owns one or multiple properties and wants more time with your family, Bay Property Management Group is here to help. We handle everything from finding reliable tenants to addressing maintenance issues and making sure your rent gets paid on time. Contact us today to learn more about our property management services throughout Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC.
