Your rental is looking great – clean, staged, and ready for occupancy. After investing time and money to get your property tenant-ready, the next step is just as important: finding the right people to live in it.
Whether you're renting your property short or long term, selecting responsible tenants is essential. A thorough screening process helps protect your investment, reduce the risk of rent arrears, and avoid potential damage or disputes.
So, what should you and your property manager be looking for when reviewing applications? Below are the key steps involved in tenant screening, based on proven practices used by experienced property managers across New Zealand.
1. Start with pre-screening questions
The tenant screening process starts earlier than you might think – even before a formal application is submitted. Asking a few simple questions upfront (such as whether they have pets or how many people will live in the home) can give you early insight and help identify potential red flags.
A quick check of a prospective tenant’s public social media profiles can also provide useful context. While not essential, this can help you understand their lifestyle and how they might treat your property.
2. Run background checks
A comprehensive background check will look at a tenant’s rental history, financial reliability, and any relevant legal matters. This may include:
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Tenancy Tribunal history: Has the applicant been involved in any disputes or evictions?
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Credit checks: Do they have any unpaid debts or defaults that suggest rent payments could be a challenge?
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Rental references: What do past landlords or property managers say about them?
These checks help build a picture of how trustworthy and responsible the applicant is.
3. Verify income and ID
A strong application will include proof of stable income – usually through recent payslips or bank statements. This gives you peace of mind that the tenant can afford the rent.
You or your property manager should also request valid photo ID (e.g. a NZ driver’s licence or passport) and confirm the information provided. Unfortunately, false claims about employment or income can happen, so it's important to verify everything before making a decision.
4. Assess them at the viewing
Viewings aren’t just about showing the property – they’re also a great chance to meet prospective tenants and get a feel for their attitude and personality. Your property manager may have a brief chat with attendees to gauge how they communicate, whether they’re genuinely interested, and how they behave during the visit.
If you're managing the property yourself, you may want to attend the viewing too, especially if you’re deciding between several applicants.
5. Conduct an interview (if needed)
If you have follow-up questions or if parts of their application raise concerns (for example, gaps in employment or a lack of references), it’s worth having a direct conversation with the applicant.
A simple phone call or meeting can clarify the situation – and sometimes give reassurance that a good tenant may just have had a temporary setback.
6. Check their references
Reference checks are a critical part of the process. Ideally, you’ll want to speak to:
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Previous landlords or property managers: Ask about their payment history, how they cared for the property, and whether they received their full bond back.
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Employers: Confirm their employment status and ask about their reliability and conduct.
A property manager will usually do this on your behalf and know how to ask the right questions to gain meaningful insights.
7. Use a tenancy database (when available)
Some property managers have access to tenant checking services that include credit history, previous tenancy issues, and other relevant information. While this isn’t something landlords always use directly, professional property managers can run these checks as part of their vetting process.
This can help identify any patterns of non-payment or serious past issues that haven’t been disclosed elsewhere.
8. The final say is yours
Your property manager will present a shortlist of thoroughly screened candidates and may recommend one based on their experience. But ultimately, the final decision sits with you.
That said, it’s important to follow fair housing practices. In New Zealand, the Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on things like race, gender, disability, and family status. The best way to stay compliant is to select tenants based on facts – such as rental history, income, and references – rather than personal characteristics.
Let LJ Hooker help you find the right tenants
Choosing the right tenant isn’t just about filling a vacancy – it’s about protecting your property and ensuring long-term peace of mind. With LJ Hooker, you benefit from experienced property managers who know how to spot great tenants through comprehensive screening.
We verify income, run background and reference checks, and assess character and lifestyle fit – all to help ensure your investment is in good hands.
Book a free rental appraisal to see how we can support you in finding the right tenant and achieving long-term rental success.
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