How to pick the right student: the method that actually works

You've prepped the room, posted the ad, and the requests are starting to roll in. Now comes the trickiest part — choosing who to rent it to. Selecting your tenant is the single most important decision in the entire student rental process. Get it right, and everything runs smoothly. Get it wrong, and you could be dealing with headaches for months. Here is the method that actually works.

Why screening is so important

A good student pays on time, respects the property, communicates openly, and leaves the room just as they found it. A bad tenant does the exact opposite — and sometimes worse.

The reality is, there's no foolproof way to know for sure beforehand. However, there are key criteria and warning signs that significantly boost your chances of making the right call. Here’s how to use them.

The first filter: paperwork

Before you even schedule a viewing, ask for the basic documents. This initial step immediately weeds out the casual browsers from the serious applicants.

ID card / Passport. Make sure it’s valid. It sounds obvious, but it’s the absolute first check you need to do.

University enrollment certificate. Proof that the student is actually enrolled at the university in your city. Ask for an updated one — don't accept certificates from the previous academic year.

Guarantor's tax code (Codice Fiscale). If you require a guarantor — and you generally should — ask for the parents' or designated guarantor's tax code right away. No guarantor usually means a higher risk.

Guarantor's proof of income. The last two payslips or the guarantor’s tax return. A guarantor with a steady income is your best financial safety net.

Students who reply quickly with complete, neat documents are already showing a great sign. Those who drag their feet, send incomplete files, or try to dodge the guarantor requirement? That's your first yellow flag.

The interview: what to ask and what to look for

The interview — whether in person, via video call, or just over the phone — is the most crucial part of the selection. You don't need to be a psychologist. You just need a few targeted questions and a keen eye.

Punctuality. Do they show up on time? Someone who is late for the interview will likely be late with the rent.

Preparation. Did they actually read the ad? Do they ask relevant questions? A student who knows nothing about the room they are viewing is not a good sign.

Communication. Are they clear, direct, and transparent? Do they answer questions fully or are they evasive? How they communicate during the interview is exactly how they will communicate during the tenancy.

Motivation. Why did they choose this room? What’s important to them in a home? Their answers will tell you a lot about their priorities and the kind of tenant they will be.

Lifestyle habits. Ask about their schedule — when they study, when they come home at night, if they have guests over often. Not to spy on them, but to make sure they are compatible with the apartment and the other flatmates.

The questions that make all the difference

A few specific questions can help you read between the lines.

Have you lived away from home before? Students who already have experience living on their own are generally more mature when it comes to managing a house and dealing with landlords.

How would you handle a problem in the apartment — like a breakdown? Their answer shows how proactive they are and whether they communicate or just ignore issues.

Have you ever had issues with previous landlords? An honest answer here is gold. Someone who explains past issues transparently is far more reliable than someone who just snaps "no" with zero explanation.

What are your expectations regarding your relationship with the landlord? Understanding what they expect helps you see if they are a good fit for your management style.

Green flags

Signs that you can trust the candidate: Punctuality and keeping on top of things during the interview. Sending complete documents quickly. A guarantor with a stable income. Positive past experience living independently. Clear, direct communication. References from previous landlords (if available). A clear plan for their university path and the length of their stay.

Red flags

On the flip side, keep an eye out for these warning signs before moving forward: Rushing to sign the contract without asking any questions. Resistance to providing documents or a guarantor. Evasive answers about their lifestyle. Negative references or absolute silence when asked for them. Requests to pay under the table. Contradictory stories about their studies or work. Difficulty getting in touch with parents or the guarantor for confirmation.

Making the final call

Once you've done the interview and checked the documents, you have everything you need to decide. Trust your gut, but back it up with facts — not just surface-level vibes.

If you have serious doubts about a candidate, don’t proceed, even if they seem to be the only option at the moment. Waiting a few extra days to find the right person is always better than renting to the wrong one.

If you have multiple good candidates, pick the one who stood out for punctuality, communication, and the reliability of their guarantor — not just the friendliest one.

How Stanza Semplice helps landlords

With Stanza Semplice, student screening is fully taken care of. We handle collecting the documents, conducting the first interviews, and only presenting candidates who have successfully passed our strict selection process.

If you want to rent out your room with the peace of mind that your tenant has been carefully vetted, get in touch. We are here to make your student rental experience simple and stress-free.