What sort of questions should I ask when interviewing a potential tenant?

Question

Someone called me about my house. I was wondering what sort of questions I should ask.

Answer 1

Not just references...but actually call them. They have to be past landlords for you to get the full picture. Other than that, be careful what you ask, other than the neutral stuff...such as do they have pets? It gets sticky when you dive in on questions about children, etc. However, you do have the right to know ALL the names of tenants who will be in the house. Good luck.

Answer 2

Do you smoke?  

Do you drink?

Do you do drugs?

Do you have any pets?  What kind?

What hours do you work?

Would you consider yourself a tidy person?

How often do you entertain?

Do you have children?

Do you have a partner? How often will they be staying?

What do you do for a living?

Answer 3

Check rental references.  Check criminal background and credit.  Dont just ask, check.  You may even want to do a drug screen.

Why are you moving?  What about this house interests you?  Have you seen the outside of it yet? (You may want to request they do drive by and look at it before taking your time to make an apt....   some people get there and realize its a busy road or this or that and you have just wasted your time.)

Be very upfront about any issues the house may have, your policies as far as payment and deposit.