How to Screen Tenants in 5 Easy Steps
Renting to the right person is about more than just filling a vacancy—it’s about trusting someone to treat your property well and fulfill their obligations. Use this 5-step plan to make tenant screening simpler, fair, and effective.
1. Define Your Criteria Up Front
Before you even see an applicant, decide what your minimum requirements are. This might include things like income being at least 3× rent, a specific credit score, employment history, or no recent evictions. Having clear criteria helps you stay consistent and legally compliant.
2. Pre-Screen Early
Don’t wait until after you’ve shown the unit—filter candidates early. In your listing, state your basic requirements (e.g. income, pets, smoking policy). Ask key screening questions during the first call or message. This saves you time and lets unqualified applicants self-screen out.
3. Use a Thorough Application & Get Consent
Have applicants fill out a detailed rental application that includes contact info, employment, rental history, references, etc. Make sure to get written permission (or digital acknowledgment) to run credit reports, background checks, and verify their statements.
4. Run Checks & Verify Claims
With consent, pull credit reports, eviction history, and criminal background checks. Also, call former landlords and employers to confirm rental behavior and income. These checks give you a clearer, more objective view of the applicant.
5. Interview & Decide
Once they pass the checks, meet them (in person or virtually). Ask questions about their rental expectations, how they handle maintenance or issues, and clarify lease rules. Then, apply your predetermined criteria to choose the best candidate. Be sure to notify all applicants—especially those you reject—respectfully and in accordance with applicable laws.
Want to dive deeper into each step? Check out this full guide from Good Life Property Management: How to Screen Tenants for a Rental Property goodlifemgmt.com