{"id":5096,"date":"2023-03-11T18:51:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-11T18:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/?p=5096"},"modified":"2026-03-17T19:41:03","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T23:41:03","slug":"how-to-effectively-screen-tenants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/how-to-effectively-screen-tenants\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Effectively Screen Tenants"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"background-color:#f4f4f4; border-left:4px solid #aaaaaa; border-radius:4px; padding:8px 14px; margin:0 0 24px 0; font-family:Arial, sans-serif; font-size:13px; color:#666666;\"><strong>Updated:<\/strong> March 16, 2026<\/div>\n\n<p>Since housing is a basic human need, owning an investment property can be a lucrative business. If <a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/managing-your-own-rental-properties-as-an-investor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"managed (opens in a new tab)\">managed<\/a> correctly, investment properties are a great source of passive income. However, even the best investments aren\u2019t without their risks, and in housing, your biggest risk is your tenant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In this Article:<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/how-to-effectively-screen-tenants\/#How_to_Screen_Tenants_Real_Estate_Investors_Can_Rely_On\" >How to Screen Tenants Real Estate Investors Can Rely On<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/how-to-effectively-screen-tenants\/#Determining_Rent\" >Determining Rent<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/how-to-effectively-screen-tenants\/#Leasing_Q_A\" >Leasing Q&amp;A<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/how-to-effectively-screen-tenants\/#Applications\" >Applications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/how-to-effectively-screen-tenants\/#Background_Checks\" >Background Checks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/how-to-effectively-screen-tenants\/#Next_Steps\" >Next Steps<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/how-to-effectively-screen-tenants\/#Selecting_a_Tenant\" >Selecting a Tenant<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Screen_Tenants_Real_Estate_Investors_Can_Rely_On\"><\/span>How to Screen Tenants Real Estate Investors Can Rely On<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>By taking the time to thoroughly screen tenants, you can increase the chances of finding responsible renters. In doing so, you minimize the risk of financial loss. Responsible renters will take good care of your property and pay rent on time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The<a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/how-to-find-the-perfect-tenant-even-now\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" ideal tenant (opens in a new tab)\"> ideal tenant<\/a> has no criminal history, a perfect payment record, and good credit. Credit and income requirements may vary depending on the value of the property, but a score of 670 or higher is generally considered \u201cgood.\u201d Tenants are typically expected to earn two-and-a-half or three times the monthly rent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The first thing to do is to draft your lease agreement.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Determining_Rent\"><\/span>Determining Rent<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rent is typically determined by amenities, location, size, and age of <a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/7-real-estate-investing-tips-for-beginner-investors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"investment (opens in a new tab)\">investment<\/a> properties. Before putting out a listing for your investment property, determine the minimum criteria for applicants. This includes income requirements, credit score, and criminal history.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/see-how-to-increase-your-rental-profits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"The amount you should charge (opens in a new tab)\">The amount you should charge<\/a> for rent will vary depending on several factors, including the location, size, and amenities of the property. However, current market conditions will play the biggest role in determining rent prices. In the US, rent prices rose&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.creditkarma.com\/insights\/i\/average-rent-increase\" target=\"_blank\">14.07%<\/a>&nbsp;year-over-year in 2022. It all depends on your rental property, your relationship with tenants, and their income. List your property on trusted sites like&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zillow.com\/rental-manager\/post-a-listing\/\" target=\"_blank\">Zillow<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/apartments.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">apartments.com<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Leasing_Q_A\"><\/span>Leasing Q&amp;A<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing to do is to draft your lease agreement. It should be a clear and comprehensive summary including the rent amount, due date, late fees, and security deposit. The lease agreement also needs to outline the tenant&#8217;s responsibilities. They need to maintain the property, treat it with respect, and not cause disturbances. It should also include a clause allowing the landlord to terminate the tenancy in case of a violation of the lease agreement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Schedule a property visit with prospective tenants to show them around and answer questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;This will allow you to observe the tenant&#8217;s behavior and attitude toward the property. Take note of any concerns you may have, to gain a better understanding of how they will treat your investment property once they move in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>In the application process, tenants need to provide a variety of materials. You\u2019ll need their photo ID, pay stubs, social security number, vehicle registration, references, and more.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Applications\"><\/span>Applications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few online services that you can use to screen and host tenants.&nbsp;Be sure to create an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/eforms.com\/rental\/application\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">online rental application<\/a>&nbsp;form hosted by a trusted service, such as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">TurboTenant<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/sparkrental.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">SparkRental<\/a>. Choose carefully because it is cost-effective to use the same platform throughout the application process. These all-inclusive sites offer free rental applications and background checks. Once you have selected a tenant, they also run resident portals to collect payments and manage maintenance requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the application process, tenants need to provide a variety of materials. You\u2019ll need their photo ID, pay stubs, social security number, vehicle registration, references, and more. At the end of the application, charge a $35-55 application fee per tenant. You will need this money to run credit and background checks. Most background check providers also require a tenant\u2019s written consent before the check can be conducted.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>During interviews with tenants, you can ask them specific questions you couldn\u2019t on the application. During this interview, allow tenants to explain any anomalies in their background checks. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Background_Checks\"><\/span>Background Checks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several types of background checks, but only three are important to landlords. They include criminal checks, credit checks, and renter\u2019s checks. The online resource you used to create the application should highlight any red flags but be sure to review the information on your own.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be sure to comply with fair housing laws when evaluating criminal history. Having a criminal record isn\u2019t a reason to deny tenants housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;A tenant having a criminal record, doesn&#8217;t always mean they will be <a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/how-to-deal-with-terror-tenants-and-not-end-up-in-court\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"a bad tenant (opens in a new tab)\">a bad tenant<\/a>. However, it&#8217;s important to consider the nature and severity of the crime, as well as how long ago it occurred, before deciding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A credit check provides information on the tenant&#8217;s creditworthiness and ability to pay rent on time. A credit check will also reveal any outstanding debts or financial problems that the tenant may have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Renter\u2019s checks are arguably the most important background information about a tenant. This information includes payment history, evictions, and payment ability. When reviewing the tenant&#8217;s background check, look for red flags, such as a history of evictions, unemployment, or unpaid rent. This will help you identify any potential issues that may arise during their tenancy and make an informed decision on their rental application.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>By taking the time to thoroughly screen tenants, you can increase the chances of finding responsible, reliable renters. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Next_Steps\"><\/span>Next Steps<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The next step in the <a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/how-not-to-attract-horrible-tenants-to-your-rentals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"screening process (opens in a new tab)\">screening process<\/a> is to verify that the tenant&#8217;s income is sufficient to cover the rent. During the application process, they should have provided income verification documents. Look over them to ensure that the tenant can afford the rent and will be less likely to fall behind on payments. Contact the tenant\u2019s employer to verify their information.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After reviewing the rental application, contact the tenant&#8217;s current and past landlords to get an idea of their rental history. Ask about their payment history, whether they caused any property damage, and if they had any complaints from neighbors. This will give you a good sense of the tenant&#8217;s reliability and responsibility as a renter. If you need more information from the tenant, you can even schedule an interview with them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During interviews with tenants, you can ask them specific questions you couldn\u2019t on the application. During this interview, allow tenants to explain any anomalies in their background checks. You should take this opportunity to allow the tenant to ask you questions, too. Be transparent about your investment property, the amenities offered, and the application process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Selecting_a_Tenant\"><\/span>Selecting a Tenant<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have completed the screening process, it is important to go over the lease with your chosen tenant. Make sure they understand and agree to all the terms before they sign. Once the lease is signed and any security deposit or first month&#8217;s rent is collected, the tenant can move in and the tenancy begins.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Screening tenants for your investment property is an essential step in protecting your investment. By taking the time to thoroughly screen tenants, you can increase the chances of finding responsible, reliable renters. As a landlord, it is always better to be safe than sorry, so be diligent and thorough in your tenant screening process. Trust your instincts and be sure to communicate clearly with your new tenant. Ensure they know how to use your portal, and you are all set.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>The ability to screen tenants real estate effectively is one of the most valuable skills a rental property investor can develop. Investors who consistently screen tenants real estate with a thorough and systematic process experience lower vacancy rates, fewer evictions, and more predictable cash flow from their portfolios.<\/p>\n<p>A complete process to screen tenants real estate includes credit history review, criminal background check, income verification, rental history, and reference checks from previous landlords. Each component of how you screen tenants real estate gives you a different window into how a prospective tenant is likely to perform.<\/p>\n<p>Income verification is one of the most important steps when you screen tenants real estate. The general benchmark is that a tenant gross monthly income should be at least three times the monthly rent. Applicants who do not meet this threshold when you screen tenants real estate present higher default risk regardless of how good their credit score appears.<\/p>\n<p>Properties you acquire to rent after buying at <a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/understanding-foreclosure-auctions-in-florida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">florida foreclosure auctions<\/a> may already have occupants, so understanding how to handle existing occupants is just as important as knowing how to screen tenants real estate new applicants.<\/p>\n<p>Knowing how to screen tenants real estate properly is especially important when you encounter <a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/how-to-deal-with-tenants-in-your-foreclosure-and-tax-deed-purchases\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tenants in foreclosure property<\/a> situations, where you need to evaluate whether existing occupants can become reliable paying tenants.<\/p>\n<p>After you screen tenants real estate and place a tenant, using the <a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/what-is-the-gross-rent-multiplier\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gross rent multiplier<\/a> helps you track whether your rental income remains aligned with the market and your original investment thesis.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color:#eef6fd; border-left:5px solid #1a73b8; border-radius:6px; padding:24px 28px; margin:32px 0; font-family:Georgia, serif;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:20px; font-weight:bold; color:#1a3a5c; margin:0 0 10px 0;\">Your Edge at Every Florida County Auction Starts Here<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px; color:#2c4a6e; margin:0 0 14px 0;\">The smartest Florida auction investors use <strong>PropertyOnion.com<\/strong> to stay ahead of the market. Get complete foreclosure and tax deed auction coverage, professional research tools, and step-by-step eBook downloads that turn knowledge into profitable deals.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/?&#038;reference_member_id=wpposts45&#038;ref2=wpposts45\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"display:inline-block; background-color:#1a73b8; color:#ffffff; font-family:Arial, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:bold; padding:12px 24px; border-radius:4px; text-decoration:none;\">Access All Florida Auctions Free<\/a>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated: March 16, 2026 Since housing is a basic human need, owning an investment property can be a lucrative business. If managed correctly, investment properties are a great source of passive income. However, even the&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":5414,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[588,581,377,589,467,67,436,465,587],"class_list":["post-5096","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-real-estate-investing-articles","tag-credit-check","tag-investment-property","tag-investor","tag-leasing","tag-passive-income","tag-real-estate","tag-rental-market","tag-rental-properties","tag-screen-tenants"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5096","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5096"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5096\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13106,"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5096\/revisions\/13106"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5414"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5096"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5096"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5096"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}