When it comes to managing a rental property, nothing has a bigger impact on your experience (and your profits) than the tenants you select. A great tenant pays on time, takes care of the home, and stays long-term. A bad one... well, you’ve probably heard the horror stories.
Thorough tenant screening is the single best way to protect your investment. Here’s how to do it right — without turning it into a second full-time job.
Start with Clear Screening Criteria
Before you start reviewing applications, define what “qualified” means for your property. Decide on your minimum credit score, income requirements, and rental history standards.
Be sure to apply the same criteria to every applicant to stay compliant with fair housing laws. This consistency protects you and makes your process faster and more objective.
Use Comprehensive Background and Credit Checks
A professional tenant background and credit check can reveal key insights about a renter’s financial responsibility and reliability.
These reports often include:
Credit and payment history
Employment verification
Previous rental addresses
It’s worth noting that these checks must be authorized by the applicant — a standard step in the rental process.
If you work with a property management company, they’ll handle all of this for you and ensure reports are accurate, legal, and complete.
Verify Income and Employment
Even if the credit check looks good, confirm that the tenant’s stated income and job details are accurate. A simple verification call to their employer can confirm stability.
You’ll also want to confirm that the tenant’s monthly income comfortably covers the rent — typically at least three times the rental amount.
Contact Previous Landlords
A quick conversation with a past landlord can tell you a lot about how someone behaves as a tenant. Ask questions such as:
Did they pay rent on time?
Were there any property damages or complaints?
Would you rent to them again?
References like these often reveal more than a credit report ever could.
Consider Meeting Applicants in Person
Numbers and reports are essential, but an in-person (or video) conversation can help confirm your impressions.
A brief meeting allows you to answer questions, clarify lease terms, and get a feel for whether the tenant will be a good fit for your property.
Make Screening Easier with Professional Support
Tenant screening can be time-consuming — especially if you’re managing multiple properties. Partnering with a full-service property management company takes that weight off your shoulders.
At PMI North Atlanta, we handle every step of the process, from marketing your property and screening applicants to drafting leases and managing move-ins. Our screening process includes credit, background, and rental history checks to help you find reliable tenants who stay longer and take care of your investment.
Contact us today for a free rental analysis and learn how we can help you find — and keep — great tenants.
