Screening a tenant is the result of a landlord or manager’s hard work: the property is ready to rent, it has been marketed on all the best websites and an applicant is ready to move in. To be successful, the tenant screening process requires attention to three basic areas.
3 Tenant Screening Rules of Thumb
Income and Employment
You need to know the source of the tenant’s income and whether they can afford to pay your rent. For most people, the income source is their job. Find out if their gross income is equal to three times the monthly rental rate. Verify the payment with the employer. Don’t take a tenant’s word for it. Sometimes, a tenant might not have three times the rental rate, but that tenant seems like a good applicant and everything else checks out. In this case, you can approve the tenant and ask for a co-signor.
Previous Rental History
Contact prior landlords and find out how much the tenant paid in rent, if it was paid on time, what the security deposit was, and whether the unit was left in good condition. Ask how much of the security deposit was returned. To get this information from landlords, the tenant will need to sign a rental history authorization form. Get that done before you start your screening process.
Background Check
The background check needs to be thorough. You’ll be checking credit history, criminal history, eviction history, as well as public records for bankruptcy, liens, and judgments. Take a look at the sex offender regnant Screening Rules of Thumb – Professional Property Management in Indianapolis, Inistry, and terrorist no-fly list as well.
Frequently Asked Tenant Screening Questions
What is Tenant Screening?
Tenant screening is a process used by landlords and property managers to evaluate prospective tenants' reliability and ability to pay rent. This typically includes reviewing credit history, rental history, employment verification, and criminal background checks to ensure the tenant is a suitable fit for the property.
Why is Tenant Screening Important?
Screening tenants helps reduce the risk of late payments, property damage, and evictions. It ensures that landlords rent to trustworthy individuals who are likely to meet lease terms and take care of the rental property.
What Criteria Should I Use When Screening Tenants?
Key tenant screening criteria include:
- Income verification (preferably three times the rent)
- Credit score and history
- Rental history (including any prior evictions)
- Employment stability
- Criminal background check
How Long Does the Tenant Screening Process Take?
The tenant screening process typically takes 48 to 72 hours, depending on how quickly the tenant provides necessary documentation and how quickly you can verify their information.
Can I Conduct Tenant Screening Myself?
Yes, landlords can conduct tenant screening on their own, but it’s often more efficient and legally compliant to use a tenant screening service or hire a property management company. These services can run background checks, credit reports, and verify employment information, ensuring a thorough review.
Let ES Property Management Help
If your applicant meets all your criteria and you are sure those guidelines are fair housing compliant, you’ve found your new tenant. If we can help you with screening your new tenants, please contact us at ES Property Management. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.
