Finding the right person for your rental property isn’t about luck. It’s about careful preparation, consistent screening and clear decisions. If you want to know how to choose the right tenant, this guide walks you through the key steps, with a focus on practical, sensible actions for properties on the North Shore and Hibiscus Coast.

Choosing the right tenant starts long before the lease is signed

A great tenant is found because you prepared well, not because you simply picked the first person who looked good. From showing them through the property to processing their application, each stage matters. With the right process in place you reduce stress, minimise risk and increase the chances of a long-term tenancy.

Why reference checks matter more than most landlords realise

Surprisingly, many landlords skip or shortcut reference checks. That’s risky. Your gut feeling may tell you someone is “nice”, but their history is a far stronger indicator of future behaviour. A proper reference call gives clarity about how the applicant treated previous landlords, managed routines, handled maintenance or notices. If “how to choose the right tenant” is your aim, then reference checks deserve serious time and attention.

What to ask when you call a previous landlord

Here are some questions you can ask:

• How was the tenant to deal with day to day?
• How did they handle inspections and maintenance?
• Did they report problems promptly and work with you to get things sorted?
• Did they look after the property well?
• Would you rent to them again?
• These questions help you focus on behaviours rather than just personalities.

Identity checks and in-person meetings

Every adult who will live in the home should provide a photo ID and meet you face to face. Verifying identity reduces the chance of fraud or mis-representation. Meeting in person (or a video call if necessary) also gives you a sense of how they communicate, how punctual they are, and whether they respect your time and property.

Background and credit checks: what they tell you

Credit or background checks aren’t just about whether someone has money problems. They show past addresses (and whether they match the application), any orders under the tenancy legislation, or previous tenancy issues. If you notice gaps in the address history or unexplained moves, that’s a red flag. A credit check provides insights into the applicant’s financial habits and reliability.

Why every adult must apply

Every adult living in the property should submit an application, and be named on the agreement. This ensures all adults are accountable for rent, damage or breaches. It also reduces the chance of hidden occupants from creating risk for the owner.

What to observe when you meet the applicant

During the meeting you’re also assessing practical cues. Did they arrive on time? How do they speak and engage? What questions did they ask? How do their children or other occupants behave if they’re present? These small impressions often reveal more than the formal paperwork.

Using professional screening tools to protect your investment

When you’re serious about how to choose the right tenant, it pays to use screening tools that give you full visibility. For instance, we use services via tenancy.co.nz (which offer credit, tenancy-history and public-record checks) so you’re not relying purely on what the applicant tells you. Many landlords find this additional layer gives them a clearer picture and more confidence.

Why working with a property manager makes tenant selection easier

You don’t have to do all this alone. At Home Sweet Home Property Management we bring more than 35 years’ combined experience, a 90-day money-back guarantee, a four business hour response-time for owner enquiries, and full-service management to find reliable tenants, coordinate maintenance, and protect your investment. If you’d rather focus on ownership and leave the screening and tenancy-management to us, we’re ready to assist.

Good tenants are out there

Choosing the right tenant isn’t about perfection. It’s about having a proven process that helps you make clear, confident decisions. With careful checks, patience and the right support, you can secure people who pay on time, care for the home and stay longer. These are the tenants who bring real peace of mind.

If you’d like help finding the right fit for your property, you’re welcome to get in touch with our team anytime. Contact us to talk through your investment property.