Why Tenant Screening Matters
A bad tenant can cost you months of lost rent, legal fees, and property damage. A rigorous screening process is your first line of defense as a landlord.
The 5-Step Tenant Screening Process
- Pre-screening Interview: Ask about their move-in date, reason for moving, and total occupants before showing the property.
- Identity Verification (KYC): Always collect a copy of their Aadhaar Card and PAN Card. Verify the details match.
- Income Verification: Request the last 3-6 months of salary slips or bank statements. A general rule of thumb is that rent should not exceed 30-40% of their monthly income.
- Employment Verification: Request a letter from their employer or an official company ID to confirm stable employment.
- Police Verification: This is mandatory in most Indian cities. You must submit the tenant's details to the local police station either physically or via the state police portal.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Reluctance to provide documentation.
- Frequent job changes or address changes.
- Negotiating the security deposit down significantly before even seeing the place.