The Landlord’s Funnel (Part 2): Pre-Screening Renters

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🔔 Quick Shout Out!

If you’ve been following along, you know I bought a new single-family rental on September 11th, 2025.

Well… as of two days ago, it’s officially rented out! 🎉

I love when a plan comes together.

Now, on to Part 2 of The Landlord’s Funnel — Pre-Screening.

Step 2: Pre-Screening Renters

Once you’ve generated leads, there’s an important step before scheduling viewings — pre-screening.

This is where you filter potential tenants based on basic information without asking them to apply. Think of it like the “qualifying call” in sales — you’re saving time by identifying who’s serious and who isn’t.

Here’s the exact pre-screening questionnaire I send to every interested renter, and why I ask each question.

1. What’s your total gross monthly income for your household?

You want tenants whose gross monthly income is at least 3× the rent.

Why? Because it dramatically increases the odds they’ll pay on time.

If their income is only 2× — or worse, 1.5× — there’s not much left after rent. And when money gets tight, rent is often the first thing skipped. You’re simply ensuring they can actually afford your property.

2. Are you employed, and how long have you had your current job?

This question verifies stability of income. Someone who’s been at their job for a while is usually less risky than someone who just started or changes jobs often. You’re looking for consistency, not just employment.

3. Estimated credit score?

I like knowing a person’s credit score — but I’m flexible here. Credit history doesn’t tell the full story.

Some people have rough patches (divorce, medical bills, identity theft). If their credit isn’t great, I ask for context. Good tenants are usually honest about what happened and how they’ve addressed it.

4. Have you ever been evicted?

5. Have you ever committed a felony?

These two are your deal-breaker questions. Most people will say no, and that’s great. And if they’re lying, it’ll come out during the application process. But if there’s an issue, it’s better to know now than after you’ve shown the unit.

These questions also signal that you take your screening process seriously — which discourages problem applicants from applying.

6. Expected number of adult occupants?

Every adult living in the unit should be on the lease.

This question uncovers situations where someone plans to have multiple adults but only list one on the lease — a red flag. It’s a polite way to clarify expectations early.

7. Any pets? If so, how many and what kind?

Simple but important. Even if you allow pets, you want to know what kind and how many. A single cat is different from two large dogs. It also helps you decide on pet deposits or fees upfront.

8. Do you smoke?

Some landlords allow it, others don’t. Be direct. If someone says, “Only outside,” you can decide if that’s acceptable. Either way, it’s better to establish your boundaries early than argue about smoke damage later.

9. Expected move-in date?

This one’s critical. You want renters whose timeline aligns with your vacancy.
If someone wants to move in two months after your current tenant leaves, that’s two months of lost rent. Don’t hold a unit unnecessarily — keep things moving.

The Real Secret: You’re Filtering for Compliance

Some people get offended when I send pre-screening questions.

They say, “Why do I have to answer all this before seeing the place?”

My answer?

Because I’m looking for renters who follow instructions and respect the process.

If someone can’t answer a few basic questions, they’re probably not going to be a great long-term tenant. The ones who do answer? They’re often responsible, organized, and serious.

What’s Next

When someone passes your pre-screen, then it’s time to schedule a viewing.

That’s where the real selling begins — and I’ll cover that next time in Part 3: Viewings.

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