10 Warning Signs of a Problem Tenant
Selecting the right tenant is one of the most important steps in safeguarding your investment. A responsible tenant will pay rent on time, maintain the property, and communicate openly. The wrong tenant, however, can cause financial losses, property damage, and unnecessary stress.
The challenge? Unsuitable tenants don’t always stand out during the application process. They may appear polite, professional, and financially stable—until they move in.
That’s why thorough screening is essential. Whether you’re managing your property yourself or working with a professional, here are 10 warning signs to watch for when assessing tenant applications.
1. Rushing the Process or Avoiding Questions
If a tenant is overly eager to move in immediately, avoids providing necessary details, or pushes to bypass standard application checks, this should raise concerns. In many cases, urgency may indicate an attempt to hide rental history issues, financial troubles, or past evictions.
2. Unverifiable Rental History
A first-time renter without a rental history is understandable. However, if an adult applicant claims they have “always lived with family or friends” and cannot provide any form of verifiable rental references, this could indicate past evictions or rental arrears. If their history doesn’t add up, investigate further.
3. Incomplete or Vague Applications
A tenant who leaves sections of their application blank—such as employment details, rental history, or references—may be attempting to conceal something. If they fail to provide missing information after being asked, consider it a red flag.
4. Overdue Utility Bills or Debt Concerns
Requesting recent utility bills can provide insight into an applicant’s financial stability. Unpaid bills, overdue amounts, or disconnection warnings may indicate difficulty in meeting financial commitments, including rent payments.
5. Address Mismatches
Always verify an applicant’s current and previous addresses against their identification or utility bills. If their addresses don’t match or they provide inconsistent information, it could indicate dishonesty or an attempt to cover up past rental disputes.
6. Contradictory Residency Information
When discussing their current living situation, an applicant’s verbal responses should align with what’s written in their application. If their story changes or they hesitate when questioned, this could indicate deception about their rental history.
7. Poor Condition of Their Current Property
If the applicant currently resides nearby, consider a drive-by inspection of their existing home. Signs of neglect, such as an unkempt yard, rubbish build-up, or external damage, could indicate how they may treat your property.
8. Unstable Employment History
Frequent job changes, long gaps in employment, or an inability to provide proof of stable income could indicate financial instability. A steady employment history is a good indicator of a tenant’s ability to meet rent obligations.
9. Listed on a Tenancy Default Database
Property managers in WA have access to tenancy databases that track rental defaults, evictions, and unpaid rent disputes. If an applicant appears on one of these lists, it’s a significant warning sign and requires further investigation.
10. Poorly Presented Paper Applications
If you still accept physical applications, take note of their condition. A form that is stained, crumpled, or covered in food marks or smells of smoke may indicate carelessness—not just in paperwork, but in how they might treat your property.
Final Thought: Protect Your Investment
A tenant’s past behaviour is one of the best predictors of their future conduct. Taking the time to thoroughly vet applications can save you thousands in potential damages, unpaid rent, and legal disputes.
If you want to ensure you secure reliable, high-quality tenants, Mandurah City Real Estate specializes in professional tenant screening and property management. We take the guesswork out of the process, helping you avoid problem tenants and protect your investment with confidence.
Considering leasing your property? Contact us today to discuss how we can help.
