Tenant Screening Checklist

When it comes to finding the right tenant for your rental property, it’s important to do a thorough screening to ensure they’re a good fit. Here’s a checklist of things to consider when screening potential tenants:

1. Application Form

• Begin by asking tenants to fill out a detailed application form. This includes their personal information, employment history, and rental history.

2. Employment Verification

• In addition verify the tenant’s employment.  Contact their employer to confirm their income and job security.

3. Rental History

• Contact the tenant’s previous landlords to verify their rental history.  Including not only payment history but also whether they caused any damage to the property.

4. Credit Check

• Run a credit check on the tenant to determine their creditworthiness. This helps to ensure they have a good history of paying their bills on time.

5. Criminal Background Check

• Perform a criminal background check on the tenant.  For the purpose of  ensuring they don’t have a criminal record that could pose a risk to your property or other tenants.

6. References

• Ask for personal and professional references. Thus, getting a better understanding of the tenant’s character and behavior.

7. Income Verification

• Verify the tenant’s income to ensure they make enough money to afford the rent and other living expenses.

8. Pets

• Determine whether the tenant has pets. If so, what kind and how many. Decide if you’re willing to allow pets, then what your pet policy will be.

9. Smoking

• Decide whether you’re willing to allow smoking in the rental property or if you prefer a non-smoking tenant.

10. Move-in Date and Lease Terms

• Determine the move-in date and lease terms with the tenant.  Include the length of the lease. The amount of rent, and any security deposit or other fees.

By following this checklist, you can ensure that you find the right tenant for your rental property who will be a responsible and reliable renter.

Know Your Responsibilities as a Landlord go to equalhousing.org for more information.