If youre ready to rent out your house or apartment, it is time to scout for the right tenant. Whether youre a newbie or an old-hand to renting out properties, it is always a bit hard to determine if the person you find for your property is the right kind of tenant.

You have the right to screen and investigate your prospective tenants. However, to prevent misunderstandings and to avoid ugly surprises later on, here are some basic steps you can follow when doing your investigation:

First Time Call Prepare a list of questions you want to ask when prospective tenants call in to find out about your property and also keep in mind all that you have to let them know regarding your rental. Prepare a comprehensive list of questions eg. reason for moving, number of people, pets etc. Base your questions on the concerns that are relevant to you. Find out, if you can, what exactly they are looking for before you pass on details. This will give you an idea of whether or not they will be suitable for the space you have. Let them know about the rent and security deposit requirements and any other important conditions you may have - like regarding pets, smoking policy, etc.

When Showing Around When you have tenants coming over to see your place, you bring out the guns to make sure that they like what they see. But dont forget that it is a two way process. You too have to like what you see. Try and get to know as much about them while showing around, you may get a feel of the kind of people they are. Your prospective tenant is trying to make the right first impression. So it is up to you to see what is real and what is not.

Simple things a person does can say volumes about him/her. Apart from speaking politely and showing respect, see if the person behaves well too. For instance, did he/she wipe their shoes on the doormat before entering? Were they smoking when they first met you? Are the questions they ask about your property relevant or just things theyre picking on for later negotiations? Keep mental note of everything, as all these factors will play a role when deciding on the right tenant.

Application Form Make sure the application form asks for all the possible details you'd want in screening the tenant. It's important to have a form which covers all points.

Once you have the completed form in hand, scrutinize it with absolute care. Make sure you run a credit report on the applicant for your safety. Also, make sure you get references from them and follow up on these references.

Finalizing the Deal After youve made a decision let your prospective tenants know about it and tell them about any concessions you made especially for them such as overlooking any minor credit discrepancies, etc.

Dont forget that until both signatures are on the lease, you can still back out if the prospect doesnt quite live up to your expectations. After setting the time, date and place for a meeting, inform them about the money they will have to bring and other documentation for verification.

Lease Document - The document should be up to the mark and cover your back in the eventuality of your tenant proving to be a nusiance.

Screen your tenants carefully at every given point and opportunity you get. You have every right to examine and select your tenant as long as you do not discriminate against sex, religion, beliefs, race etc. The tighter your screening process, the more likely you are to end up with a quality tenant and longer relationship.