What Does a Thorough Tenant Screening Include?
Comprehensive screening includes a credit report showing payment history and outstanding debts, a national eviction database search, criminal background check, income verification (typically requiring income of 2.5 to 3 times monthly rent), and reference calls to prior landlords. Application fees — capped in some states — cover screening costs. Standardizing your criteria protects against fair housing violations.
What Are Fair Housing Laws and How Do They Affect Screening?
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. Many states add additional protected classes like source of income, sexual orientation, or age. Landlords must apply screening criteria consistently to every applicant. Rejecting one applicant for a reason that would not be applied to another can create fair housing liability.
What Red Flags Should Landlords Watch For During Screening?
Prior evictions are the most significant red flag — even a single eviction suggests a pattern of default or lease violations. A credit score below 620, significant collections, or prior landlord-related judgments are concerning. Income below the required threshold and inability to verify employment are practical disqualifiers. Inconsistencies between the application and screening results — different names, employment gaps — warrant follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord reject an applicant for bad credit?
Yes, as long as the credit criteria are applied consistently to all applicants and credit is not being used as a proxy for a protected class. Document your minimum criteria in writing and apply them uniformly to every application you receive.
Can you charge tenants for screening?
In most states, yes — application fees covering the cost of screening are legal. Some states cap the amount or require receipts. California, for example, limits application fees to the actual cost of screening and requires a refund if you don't run the report.