Tips for Screening Tenants

So you have a property you’d like to rent. You probably have some apprehension about handing the keys to strangers. Will they take care of the place? Can you count on the rent arriving on time? There are no guarantees, but there’s a lot you can do up front to minimize problems later.

Start With Strong Paperwork

• Use clear, concise rental documents. Be as detailed as you need to be about usage expectations, who’s responsible for what, and house rules. Ambiguity now becomes a dispute later.
• Make the rental application thorough. Ask for employment history and contact information, plus personal references. The more references you collect, the more people you can reach if a tenant ever leaves you high and dry.

Pay Attention at the Showing

While prospective renters are checking out the property, you should be checking them out. Are they punctual and personable? Do they treat the space with care during the walk-through? Experienced landlords swear by small signals — if the applicant’s car is a mess, the unit often ends up the same way. And an applicant who is intensely critical of the property during the showing may become a high-maintenance tenant after move-in.

Run Credit and Background Checks

Credit checks matter. Get the applicant’s written consent first, then verify that the results back up what they put on the application. A background check adds another layer, covering criminal history and other public records.

While you’re at it, ask for photo ID and confirm the applicant is who they say they are. Don’t take it for granted.

Call Previous Landlords

Past landlord references are some of the most useful information you can gather, so make them part of every application. The burden is on the prospective tenant to show they’re trustworthy and responsible. Ask as many questions as you need to feel confident in your decision.

Know the Fair Housing Act

Before you decline anyone, review the Fair Housing Act and your state’s fair housing laws. Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability — and many states add more protected classes. Gut instinct is worth listening to, but make sure your reasons for choosing one applicant over another are legitimate, documented, and applied consistently to everyone.

It Pays Off

Putting in the time and effort during screening means you can be confident in your decision — and enjoy some peace of mind for the length of the lease.

Once you’ve chosen your tenant, TenantLedger handles what comes next — the lease, rent charges, and payment tracking — all in one place. Try it free for 14 days at TenantLedger.