Yes! Found a tenant… a dream come true or a nightmare?

You list your place for rent, get dozens of responses, and—bingo!—there they are. The prospective tenants who seem to have it all. A nice couple, easy to talk to, with a solid income. But… how well do you really know them?

Renting isn’t just a matter of gut feeling. One misjudgment and you’ll end up with a tenant who pays late, causes disturbances, or—worse yet—destroys your property. Together with Michelle, a rental property advisor in Leuven, we explore the importance of thoroughly screening prospective tenants. 

Effective screening is worth its weight in gold

Thorough screening of candidates is the key to worry-free renting. It goes far beyond a pay stub or a friendly smile. At Living Stone, we don’t just look at the numbers; we look at the whole picture: creditworthiness, rental history, references, and behavioral patterns. Michelle, a real estate advisor in Leuven, emphasizes how important the human factor is:

“Is the candidate punctual? Do they ask polite questions? Do they park with all four turn signals on in front of the neighbors’ garage? These are small details that say a lot about respect, reliability, and attitude.”

Screening is more than just a financial check. It involves reading people, assessing behavior, and intelligently identifying risks. Our experience and people skills make all the difference. After all, you don’t want to take a gamble with your most valuable asset, do you?

What makes a reliable tenant?

A "good" tenant is someone who: 

• has enough income to pay the rent

• Always pays the rent on time

• Doesn't bother the owner unnecessarily, but still reports any problems (if there are any)

• He treats the house as if it were his own 

• Does not engage in illegal activities

• Does not cause any disturbance to neighbors or the neighborhood

This seems logical, but don't underestimate how important it is to actually check this. Because that lovely smile can sometimes be deceiving.

How can you screen potential tenants?

Both tenants and landlords have rights and obligations. While respecting the prospective tenant’s privacy, you may ask specific questions to obtain certain information, including:

• Proof of income (such as pay stubs or bank statements)

• Family situation (to determine the number of residents)

• Name and contact information

• Information from the previous landlord (for references and rental history)

But screening isn’t just done on paper. Home visits are just as important. They give you the chance to observe behavior and demeanor—and those often say more than numbers.

During your visit, pay attention to subtle cues:

• Does the candidate ask for permission to open a cabinet or refrigerator, or does he just go ahead and do it in an occupied home?

• How do the couple communicate with each other? Do they respond patiently to their children or to each other?

• Does the candidate ask specific, polite questions? Or does the conversation remain superficial?

It is precisely these behaviors that give you a true sense of a person’s respect and sense of responsibility.

This combination of objective data and human observation helps you make an informed decision—without violating privacy. It’s a delicate balance, but absolutely essential to prevent problems down the line.

Screening as the foundation of a sustainable customer portfolio

At Living Stone, we believe that thorough screening of prospective tenants is the key to success. Not only does this reduce the risk of non-payment or disputes, but it is also the best way to build and maintain trust with property owners.

A satisfied owner comes back—it's as simple as that. 

Our extensive rental portfolio is the best proof of this. We work with hundreds of private and professional property owners who come back to us time and time again. Why? Because they know we’re committed to thorough screening. 

A satisfied owner is a returning owner. And a returning owner ensures a portfolio that grows year after year. 

In short, you don’t build a large rental portfolio overnight—you earn it step by step, with a strong focus on screening and tenant satisfaction.

Worried you might choose the wrong prospective tenant? 

Worried you might make a misjudgment? Or that you might overlook a detail that could have major consequences later on? At Living Stone, we understand the art of renting. But more importantly, we understand the risks. That’s why we take the screening process seriously. And trust us—it pays off. We don’t just select any tenant; we select the right tenant. And you? You can rest easy.