Tenant Screening Checklist
Complete step-by-step checklist to help you screen tenants effectively and find quality renters.
Complete Tenant Screening Checklist
Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure you thoroughly screen every tenant applicant. Following this process helps you find reliable renters, avoid costly evictions, and protect your investment.
Phase 1: Pre-Application
- Create detailed rental application form
- Set clear rental criteria (income, credit score, etc.)
- Prepare property showing schedule
- Gather required documents list (ID, pay stubs, etc.)
Phase 2: Application Review
- Verify all required information is complete
- Check for any obvious red flags or inconsistencies
- Verify identity with government-issued ID
- Confirm all occupants are listed on application
Phase 3: Credit & Background Check
- Run credit check through reputable service
- Review credit score (minimum threshold: 650+)
- Check for bankruptcies, liens, or judgments
- Review credit history for payment patterns
- Run criminal background check
- Check eviction history database
Phase 4: Income Verification
- Verify employment (call employer directly)
- Request 2-3 recent pay stubs
- Calculate income-to-rent ratio (should be 3:1 minimum)
- Verify bank statements for 2-3 months
- Check for additional income sources
- Verify self-employment income (tax returns if needed)
Phase 5: Rental History Verification
- Contact current landlord (verify they are actual landlord)
- Contact previous 2-3 landlords
- Ask about payment history and timeliness
- Inquire about property condition and maintenance
- Ask about lease violations or complaints
- Verify reason for moving
Phase 6: Final Decision
- Score applicant using weighted criteria
- Compare multiple applicants if available
- Document decision and reasoning
- Notify approved applicant within 48 hours
- Send rejection letters to other applicants (if required by law)
- Collect security deposit and first month's rent
- Sign lease agreement
⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For
- • Unwillingness to provide required documentation
- • Income below 3x monthly rent
- • Credit score below 600
- • Recent eviction history
- • Criminal history (especially violent crimes or property damage)
- • Negative landlord references
- • Inconsistent information across documents
- • Rushing the application process
- • Offering to pay more than asking rent upfront
Related Resources
Templates & Documents
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Download This Checklist
Save this checklist as a PDF for easy reference during your tenant screening process.