Hello experienced landlords,

My husband and I have a 2 family house and we are renting 1 of the units. We have to strong applicants who wants to rent it.

My question is: normally when you have 2 prospective tenants that want the place. Besides an application , would you ask for all their personal information upfront and then choose the best candidate?

Both of them are small business owners. 1 restaurant owner and 1 is IT business. So I'm asking for previous tax returns, 2 months bank statements, credit reports and scores, copies of driver license.

It's such personal information and feel funny that I would have turn one of them down and yet they know I have their personal information? Or is this a normal process for all landlords?

Christina,

Glad to hear you take tenant screening seriously! This is the sign of a wise land lord.

I turn folks down all the time and have their personal information. No big deal. I've only ever had one person send me follow up texts to "destroy my personal info" and then "please don't use my info anywhere". Huh?!? Like a real thief wouldn't do that just because they asked nicely. If they didn't trust me why'd they give me their info.

Anyway...

For self-employed, I want minimum of 2 years tax returns and 6 months of bank statements. Most small businesses will fail in the first 2 years. If they have been in business less than 2 years...sorry.

Also, you need current and PAST land lord references. No family and friends references. Visit where they live now for a 2-minutes in house inspection. Your unit will look and smell like theirs 2-3 months after they move in.

Background...check criminal.

You are asking all the right information; it is your property, and your rules. If they do not like it, they can go elsewhere.

We ask for these things of our prospects. We want someone who will pay the rent and also take care of the property. If they are upstanding, they will not mind giving you the information you request.