Creating an effective tenant screening checklist is essential for property managers and landlords in New Zealand. This step-by-step guide will ensure that you conduct a comprehensive and efficient evaluation of potential tenants, helping you to select the most reliable and suitable individuals for your property. It’s worth noting that Keyhook offers New Zealand’s best online and over-the-phone tenant checks, providing thorough and reliable services that can be integral to your screening process.
Tenant Screening Checklist for Property Managers and Landlords in New Zealand
1. Pre-Screening Process
Rental Advertisement: Clearly state your rental criteria in advertisements. This transparency helps ensure that applicants know what is expected before they apply.
Initial Enquiry Response: Use the initial contact to clarify any details about the rental criteria and the application process. This is an opportunity to gauge interest and commitment.
2. Rental Application Form
Collect Basic Information: Ensure the form includes sections for full name, current address, contact information, employment details, and previous tenancies.
Consent for Background Checks: Obtain written consent to conduct background checks. Keyhook’s comprehensive tenant checks are ideal for this purpose, ensuring that you have the most reliable information at your disposal.
3. Comprehensive Background Checks
Credit Check: Assess the creditworthiness of the applicant to predict their ability to pay rent on time.
Employment Verification: Confirm the applicant's employment status, salary, and job stability.
Reference Checks: Contact previous landlords and other references to verify the tenant's reliability and behaviour.
Criminal History: While this can be sensitive, it’s important to know if there are any significant legal issues in an applicant’s past.
4. Interviewing the Tenant
Schedule a Viewing: Meeting the applicant in person at the property allows you to assess their suitability and discuss any concerns they or you might have.
Discuss the Property and Tenancy Terms: Use this time to go over the tenancy terms in detail, ensuring that the tenant understands their obligations.
5. Decision Making
Review Application and Checks: Evaluate all the information gathered. Keyhook’s tenant checks can provide crucial insights here, helping you make an informed decision.
Selection Criteria Consistency: Make sure your decision adheres to all legal requirements and is consistent with your stated rental criteria.
Communicate the Decision: Inform the applicant of your decision. If declined, provide clear and non-discriminatory reasons, based on the rental criteria.
6. Finalising the Tenancy
Tenancy Agreement: Prepare a detailed tenancy agreement that complies with New Zealand tenancy laws. Ensure both parties understand and agree to the terms before signing.
Bond and Rent in Advance: Collect any bond and rent required before handing over the keys.
Condition Report: Complete a thorough condition report with the tenant, noting the state of the property at the start of the tenancy.
Why Choose Keyhook’s Tenant Checks?
Keyhooks simple outsource model provides you with a comprehensive, detailed report like you would do yourself, but includes databases unavailable to the public, and outsources the report creation, over-the-phone calls, and other tasks that come with a New Zealand's best Tenant Checks.
Choosing Keyhook for your tenant checks means in the click-of-a-button you can get over-the-phone references, detailed rental history, credit and police checks as well as checks across some of the largest databases in the world including social media data. Using Keyhook’s service means you are securing New Zealand’s best service for your property management needs. Keyhook’s checks are comprehensive, up-to-date, and crucial for making informed tenant selection decisions, giving you peace of mind and safeguarding your rental investment.
By following this checklist, landlords and property managers in New Zealand can streamline their tenant screening process and make better, more informed decisions that will lead to reliable and trustworthy tenant relationships. Remember, incorporating Keyhook’s tenant checks into your process can greatly enhance your ability to select qualified tenants efficiently and effectively.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information, and we do not accept any liability for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of the content. It is essential to consult with a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.
