Tenant Screening Red Flags
One-page quick reference guide to warning signs during tenant screening.
🚩 Major Red Flags
- • Recent Eviction: Eviction within last 2-3 years
- • Poor Credit: Credit score below 600
- • Insufficient Income: Income less than 3x monthly rent
- • Criminal History: Violent crimes, property damage, drug-related
- • Negative Landlord References: Late payments, property damage, complaints
- • Unverifiable Information: Can't verify employment, income, or references
⚠️ Warning Signs
- • Rushing Application: Pushing for immediate approval
- • Inconsistent Information: Details don't match across documents
- • Unwilling to Provide Info: Hesitant to share required documentation
- • Offering Extra Money: Offering to pay more than asking rent upfront
- • No Rental History: Can't provide previous landlord references
- • Job Instability: Frequent job changes or recent employment
- • High Debt-to-Income: Significant monthly debt obligations
- • Bad Attitude: Disrespectful or uncooperative during screening
✅ Green Flags (Good Signs)
- • Stable Employment: 2+ years at current job
- • Good Credit: Credit score 650+
- • Positive References: Excellent landlord and employer references
- • Long Rental History: 3+ years of rental history
- • Complete Application: Provides all requested information promptly
- • Professional Demeanor: Respectful and professional communication
💡 Best Practices
- • Always verify information independently
- • Trust your instincts but verify with facts
- • Apply criteria consistently to all applicants
- • Document all red flags and decisions
- • When in doubt, choose a different applicant