How to Screen Tenants with a Background Check

Thinking about renting out your property? That’s exciting! But before you pass along the keys, there’s one critical step you can’t overlook: conducting a tenant background check. Here’s how…

a person holding a bunch of keys in their hand
a person holding a bunch of keys in their hand
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How to Screen Tenants in 5 Easy Steps

Finding the right tenant is one of the most important parts of being a landlord. A strong screening process helps protect your property, reduce risk, and create a positive rental experience for everyone.

Your lease is more than paperwork—it’s your guide to living in the property. Reading it carefully helps you understand rules, responsibilities, and protections.

What Every Tenant Should Know
A hand holding a key to a doorA hand holding a key to a door
Man with beard thinking with hand on chin.Man with beard thinking with hand on chin.
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gray concrete road with cars parked beside
Being a Good Tenant

A good tenant is more than someone who pays rent—it’s someone who helps create a positive living environment for themselves and their neighbors. Here are a few qualities that make a strong tenant.

Section 8 Resources

Section 8 is a federally funded program that helps cover part of a tenant’s rent. Tenants pay a portion of their income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest directly to the landlord.

State Housing Resources

Every state offers programs designed to help renters stay housed, handle emergencies, and find support when they need it most. These resources can make a big difference for tenants who are looking for stability and peace of mind.

a close up of a bunch of moneya close up of a bunch of money

California’s Affordable Housing at Risk

Affordable housing providers in California are facing a new crisis that threatens their ability to keep rents low: skyrocketing insurance costs. In some cases, nonprofit housing operators report premium increases of more than 500% in just a few years, pushing already thin budgets to the breaking point.