Blog - The Ledger by The Letting Company

How to Select Great Tenants

Finding the right tenants for your rental property in Auckland can be challenging. At The Letting Company, we understand the importance of securing great tenants who pay rent on time and care for the property 💪. A poor tenant can lead to costly maintenance issues and stress. That’s why working with a property manager makes sense—they have the expertise to select great tenants effectively 📝.

However, if you plan to select tenants yourself, here are key questions to ask potential applicants to ensure you find great tenants for your property.


🔍 How to Select Great Tenants Through Conversation

The more you know about your applicants, the better. Frame your questions as part of a casual chat to help tenants feel at ease 💬. This allows for more honest and insightful responses.

🚨 Avoid giving verbal confirmation that a tenant has been accepted before making a final decision. Simply say, “I’ll be in touch soon with the outcome.”


📄 Key Questions to Select Great Tenants

1️⃣ What Are You Looking for in a Rental?

Long-term tenants are ideal as they reduce vacancy periods and turnover costs 💼. This question helps assess if your property meets the applicant’s needs. Avoid short-term renters if you want stability and wish to select great tenants for your rental.

2️⃣ Why Are You Moving?

Understanding a tenant’s reason for moving helps you identify potential red flags ⚠️. If they left due to disputes with a previous landlord, investigate further to ensure they were not the cause of the problem.

3️⃣ How Will You Pay the Rent?

A tenant doesn’t need a 9-to-5 job to afford rent. Some have investments, savings, or alternative income sources 💳. Instead of asking about employment status, ask how they will afford rent.

4️⃣ How Many People Will Live in the House?

Unexpected occupants can be an issue. Ensure the number of residents aligns with the lease agreement 🛋. Subletting without permission can lead to property damage or legal issues.

5️⃣ Do You Have Any Pets?

Pets can cause wear and tear, so knowing about them upfront is essential 🐾. If your property has pet restrictions, be clear about them during the selection process.

6️⃣ Do You Understand Your Responsibilities as a Tenant?

Clarify tenant obligations, including gardening, lawn maintenance, and payment schedules 📝. Setting clear expectations prevents misunderstandings later.


📘 Additional Steps to Select Great Tenants

💪 Perform Thorough Reference Checks

Reference checks provide insights into an applicant’s payment history, behaviour, and reliability. Ask previous landlords:

  • Did the tenant pay rent on time?
  • Were there any issues or disputes?
  • How well did they maintain the property?

📈 Conduct a Credit Check

A strong credit history indicates financial responsibility. Before performing a credit check, ensure the applicant has provided written consent 👤.


🏢 Why a Property Management Company Helps Select Great Tenants

A professional property manager handles everything—from screening applicants to managing tenant relationships and ensuring rent is paid on time 🚀.

Partnering with The Letting Company allows you to:

  • Save time ⏳ by avoiding lengthy screening processes.
  • Reduce stress 😓 from dealing with problematic tenants.
  • Ensure legal compliance 💼 with tenancy laws.

If you want a hassle-free rental experience, leave tenant selection and property management to The Letting Company.


📞 Contact The Letting Company Today to Secure Great Tenants for your Investment

Let us handle everything—from advertising your property to tenant selection and ensuring continuous rental income 🏡.

📞 Phone: 0800 LETTING (0800 538 846)
📧 Email: office@thelettingcompany.co.nz
🏠 Website: thelettingcompany.co.nz


📚 References & Further Reading

How to select great tenants
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