As someone who owns a rental property, you may come across several applications that raise concerns, or you may come across few in your search for a new tenant. Regardless of the volume of these red flags or applications, it’s important to know what you should be looking out for. It’s easy to identify what an ideal renter looks like, but it’s not always easy to see the signs of a potentially bad renter. If you’re going through the process of meeting potential tenants and looking over applications, here are some of the common qualities of a bad tenant and what you need to do to spot them. 

They appear to be nervous when credit checks are mentioned

Credit checks can be a source of anxiety for some, but for those who have especially concerning financial issues such as poor credit, massive debt, or prior evictions, receiving a credit check can always result in being turned away from properties. Even before the application process, many tenants may become nervous when they hear the term and try to talk their way out of having to receive a credit check so that you can approve them as a tenant. If you see this type of behavior when you’re speaking to someone interested in renting your property, you may be able to immediately rule them out before checking their financial history, especially if they refuse to allow you to give them a credit check at all. 

They lie to you or on their application (in any capacity)

The point of searching for a tenant, scheduling a meeting, and having them fill out an application is to get a better idea of who they are and whether or not they would be a right fit for your property. While we would like to think that most people are honest, some may stretch the truth or flat out lie to make it through the process and sign the lease. Sometimes, these lies may not cause any future problems, but other lies, such as those about income or a criminal record, could have a price for you and those around you. This initial process provides you with a first impression, and a tenant who is trying to lie is a huge red flag that shouldn’t be ignored. Make sure to carefully review all of the information that you receive both in-person as well as on any applications. 

They provide you with too little or too much information

You’ll find two types of bad tenants: those who try to cover up things and provide you with as little information as possible and those who have multiple excuses for things and provide you with too much information to sway you from normal processes. You may encounter people who will leave gaps in their application and ignore certain questions and hope that you will allow these parts to go unchecked and allow them to rent your property. Or you may speak with people who have many excuses or reasons as to why they are asking to pay rent in cash, pay rent late, or engage in other activities that aren’t acceptable. Both ends of the spectrum will provide you with trouble, and you shouldn’t consider these individuals as potential tenants. 

Keeping you, your area, and your property safe is the most important part of being a landlord. If these types of issues aren’t immediately clear to you, make sure to have a tenant screening process in place to help you catch these problems and ensure that your next renter is a reliable, trustworthy individual.