Landlords should conduct credit, background, employment, and rental history checks for potential tenants. These checks ensure that tenants can meet their financial obligations and have a good rental history.
By conducting these checks, landlords can protect their investments and ensure a stable revenue stream.
A Brief Overview Of Tenant Checks
The Purpose Of Tenant Checks For Landlords
As a landlord, it is essential to establish whether your prospective tenants are trustworthy and responsible individuals who will pay rent on time and take care of your property.
Tenant checks serve two crucial purposes:
- To safeguard your property and reduce the risk of future problems.
- Ensure your tenants are suitable for your property and have the necessary means to pay your rent.
By screening your tenants before signing a lease agreement, you will protect yourself and your investment from possible pitfalls.
Conducting tenant checks is critical in reducing risks such as non-payment of rent, property damage, legal disputes, and other issues that could lead to increased expenses and lost income.
Some of the tenant checks that a landlord can conduct include employment and income verification, credit checks, criminal background checks, and tenant history checks.
The Importance Of Proper Tenant Screening
Screening your prospective tenants adequately is critical to finding the right tenants for your property.
Here are some reasons why proper tenant screening is essential:
Protect your property
By choosing the right tenant, you can reduce your risk of property damage, eviction cases, and tenant-related problems.
Reduce the risk of late or missed rent payments
Clear screening processes such as income and employment verification help ensure that your tenant has the means to pay rent on time.
Lower your risk of costly legal disputes
By checking tenant backgrounds, landlords can avoid tenants with a history of causing problems and reduce the risk of legal disputes over rent and property damage.
Create a safe environment for tenants
When you invest in proper tenant screening, you can create a safe environment for the tenants living on your property.
Legal And Ethical Considerations
As a landlord, it is essential to note that while conducting tenant checks can benefit you in multiple ways, you must adhere to legal and ethical considerations.
Here are some of the legal and ethical practices that every landlord should observe:
Ensure fair treatment
All your tenant checks and screening procedures should apply to every prospective tenant fairly.
Comply with fair housing laws
Every landlord must comply with federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination based on age, race, religion, national origin, gender, and sexual orientation when screening tenants.
Disclose your screening policies
Before conducting any tenant checks, landlords must disclose their screening policies in writing when advertising the property or conducting showings.
Protect your tenants’ privacy
Landlords must safeguard their tenants’ privacy and ensure the appropriate use of tenant information.
Conducting proper tenant screening is critical for every landlord.
By following legal and ethical standards, landlords can protect their investments and create a safe environment for their tenants.
Common Mistakes In Tenant Screening
As a landlord, it is tempting to rush through the tenant screening process to fill the rental vacancy as soon as possible.
However, this is a common mistake that can lead to bigger problems down the road. Here are some other common mistakes in tenant screening that landlords should avoid:
Rushing The Screening Process
Tenant screening requires thorough and careful attention. Rushing this process can lead to missed red flags, which can be costly in the long run.
Take the time to carefully review applicant information to make an informed decision. Some aspects of tenant screening that require attention include,
- Rental history.
- Employment history.
- Credit report.
- Background checks.
Ignoring Red Flags
Red flags don’t mean that a prospective tenant is always a bad choice. However, failing to follow up on red flags or ignoring them can lead to rental nightmares.
Common red flags to look for include,
- Rental history issues.
- Unexpected gaps in employment history.
- Criminal record.
- Poor credit score.
Focusing Only On Credit Scores
While credit scores are an important screening factor, they should not be the sole basis for screening tenant applicants.
Credit scores can be misleading at times, and a low score doesn’t necessarily mean that an applicant will be a bad tenant.
Other factors to consider include the applicant’s rental history, employment history, and references.
Skipping Background Checks
Background checks are an essential part of the tenant screening process and should never be skipped.
A thorough background check can reveal criminal history, eviction history, and other red flags. Always take the time to verify the information that an applicant provides you.
As a landlord, tenant screening is a critical aspect of protecting your investment.
By avoiding common mistakes in tenant screening, you can avoid potential rental nightmares and find the right tenant for your rental property.
Understanding What Tenant Checks Should A Landlord Do
Finding the right tenant can be a daunting task for landlords. Tenant screening is an essential part of being a responsible landlord.
Failing to properly screen tenants, can lead to costly damages, legal disputes, and the hassle of evictions.
So, how can landlords conduct tenant checks to find the right fit for their rental property?
Let’s take a look at some of the necessary steps landlords should take before leasing their units.
Setting Clear Criteria For Potential Tenants
Before starting the screening process, landlords must establish clear criteria regarding what tenants they want to lease their rental property.
Having a clear understanding of what they are looking for in a tenant, provides a better chance of having someone who will take good care of the property and make timely rent payments.
The criteria that landlords should establish may include factors such as minimum income, credit score, job stability, previous rental references, and no prior history of eviction.
Some landlords make the mistake of being too lenient in their search for a tenant. Having a clear set of standards can reduce the risks of ending up with a problematic tenant.
Screening For Credit History And Income
To ensure that potential tenant can make their monthly rent payments, landlords should conduct complete background checks that include credit and income histories.
The tenant’s credit reports provide a record of their past financial behaviour, such as late payments and defaults.
Landlords should also contact the tenant’s employer to verify their income stability and ability to pay rent.
Having a stable job with a regular income increases the chances that the tenant will make timely rent payments.
Checking For Criminal History And Eviction Records
The tenant’s background screening should also include checking for criminal history and eviction records.
Conducting criminal background checks helps to ensure the safety of the neighbours and the security of the rental property.
Landlords should also verify whether the tenant has a prior history of evictions or has been involved in any legal disputes in the past.
Tenants with a history of eviction or legal problems likely have poor rental histories and are not suitable for leasing properties.
Hence, tenant checks are crucial for landlords when it comes to finding a tenant who will treat the rental property as their own and make timely rent payments.
Online Tenant Screening Services
Looking for a tenant can be a time-consuming process for landlords. Now that we are living in a digital age, landlords can utilize online tenant screening services to make this process much easier.
By implementing these services, landlords can acquire relevant information to make informed decisions and check a tenant’s criminal and credit history.
However, there are also several factors to consider when using these services. Below we’ve listed the benefits and drawbacks of using online tenant screening services.
Benefits And Drawbacks Of Online Tenant Screening
Benefits
Improved efficiency
Online tenant screening services offer an efficient way to collect and analyze a tenant’s data.
This automation process saves a significant amount of time compared to traditional methods, such as manually reviewing paper applications.
Accurate results
With online tenant screening services, landlords can ensure that they are collecting accurate information from tenants.
This includes criminal background checks, credit scores and payment histories, and eviction reports.
This accuracy can help landlords make informed decisions before approving or denying tenants.
Reduces the risk of rental property fraud
One of the most significant benefits of using online tenant screening platforms is that it can help landlords root out rental property fraud.
By verifying the tenant’s identity and rental history, landlords can ensure that they are not getting scammed.
Drawbacks
Potential legal issues
Although online tenant screening services can provide accurate information, there is a chance that the data collected may break a state or federal law.
As a landlord, you need to be aware of the legal implications of using these services.
Expense
Online tenant screening platforms for tenants can be expensive. Fees can range from $15 to $45, depending on the services and reports required.
This expense can be a significant burden for landlords with multiple properties.
Privacy concerns
Using online tenant screening platforms can raise privacy concerns for tenants.
With these platforms, tenants are required to provide sensitive information such as social security numbers and other personal information.
Features Of Online Tenant Screening Platforms
Online tenant screening services offer various features that aid landlords in the tenant selection process.
Below are some of the key features of online tenant screening platforms.
Tenant credit reports
One of the essential features of online tenant screening platforms is that it provides instant credit reports on tenant records.
This report shows a tenant’s credit score, previous delinquencies, payment histories, and other credit-related information.
Criminal background checks
Online tenant screening services provide landlords with criminal background checks for prospective tenants.
This helps to eliminate potential risks and provides a secure environment for the tenant.
Rental history
Landlords can access the tenant’s rental history, including lease terms, payment histories, and eviction records.
These records provide insight into the prospective tenant’s reliability and potential risks.
Popular Online Tenant Screening Services
There are numerous online tenant screening services available in the market. Out of many, below are three popular online tenant screening services that landlords use:
Rentprep
Rentprep provides criminal background checks, credit reports, and eviction reports. This company is known for providing detailed, high-quality tenant screening reports.
Tenantcloud
Tenantcloud offers landlords a free tenant screening service that includes credit checks and criminal background checks.
Transunion smart move
Transunion Smartmove is an amazing screening service that provides comprehensive tenant credit reports.
Online tenant screening platforms offer numerous benefits for landlords while also having drawbacks.
As a landlord, it’s essential to consider these points before selecting any screening service.
While there are many online tenant services available in the market, it’s crucial to choose the right one that meets your requirements and is cost-effective.
Background Check Services
The Importance Of Background Checks In Tenant Screening
Tenant screening is a crucial aspect of being a landlord and should never be overlooked.
A thorough background check is essential to determine if a potential tenant is legitimate and trustworthy. Here are some reasons why conducting background checks is crucial:
To verify the applicant’s identity
A background check will confirm the applicant’s name, address, and social security number, ensuring that they are who they claim to be.
To assess creditworthiness
Checking an applicant’s credit history can provide important insight into their spending habits, financial responsibilities, and debt.
This knowledge will help you decide if they are financially reliable and capable of paying rent on time.
To gauge safety and security
A criminal background check can identify any past criminal activities that could pose a threat to the property or other tenants.
To avoid rental scams
Background checks can reveal if an applicant has been involved in previous rental scams or has a history of evictions.
Types Of Background Checks
Different types of background checks assess various areas of a potential tenant’s history. Here are the most common types of background checks landlords should do:
Criminal Background Checks
A criminal history check can reveal past criminal convictions, including misdemeanours and felonies.
This essential information can help landlords assess whether a tenant poses a threat to their property, other tenants, or the community.
Criminal background checks should be conducted for every adult tenant and paid for by the applicant.
Laws vary by state, so make sure you’re aware of your state’s regulations about considering criminal records before making any renting decisions based on background checks.
Credit Background Checks
A credit check provides landlords with an applicant’s credit history, including payment history, outstanding debts, and open credit accounts.
This information will help determine the applicant’s financial responsibility.
Landlords have legal restrictions on what they can and cannot consider when making decisions based on an applicant’s credit history.
Check with your local laws on the specific information and methods you can use while screening a tenant’s credit history.
Employment And Income Verification Checks
Employment and income verification helps landlords determine if the tenant is currently employed and can realistically afford to pay rent.
This check provides information like the tenant’s current employment status, gross income, and length of employment.
Plus, it can help identify inconsistencies in the applicant’s income information.
Ask applicants to provide employer contacts, and follow up accordingly, at least every year of the tenant’s lease, to ensure that the tenant still has a job and can pay rent.
Conducting background checks is an easy and effective way to find reliable, honest tenants.
Make sure to follow the law, treat applicants fairly and equally in the process, and find the right tenant for your property.
Rental History Verification Services
A tenant’s rental history is an essential factor that a landlord needs to consider when screening prospective tenants.
Rental history indicates a tenant’s ability to pay rent on time and their responsibility as a renter.
It also provides insights into a tenant’s rental past, including evictions, lease violations, and late payments.
As such, a landlord can use rental history to determine a prospective tenant’s likelihood of meeting their rent obligations and being a reliable tenant.
How To Verify Rental History Of Prospective Tenants
It’s vital to verify the rental history of prospective tenants to gather and confirm the accuracy of the information provided. Here are ways a landlord can verify rental history:
Request tenant references
Request references from previous landlords and property management companies to verify a tenant’s rental history.
Contacting previous landlords provides insight into a tenant’s rental behaviour, payment history, and other key behaviours.
Run background checks
A landlord can use background checks to verify a prospective tenant’s rental history and criminal background.
A background check can reveal information about previous evictions, bankruptcies, and criminal convictions.
Contact property management companies
If a tenant has rented from a property management company, a landlord can contact the company to verify their rental history.
They can also provide information on a tenant’s payment history, lease violations, and other relevant information.
Common Rental History Red Flags
When screening prospective tenants, a landlord needs to watch for common red flags that may be indicative of rental history issues.
Here are some common rental history red flags to keep an eye on:
- Frequent moves: Prospective tenants who have moved frequently may have issues with rent payments or keeping the rental properties in good condition.
- Late payments or evictions: Tenants with a history of late rent payments or evictions are likely to pose a risk to future landlords.
- Lack of references or employment verification: If a tenant fails to provide references or employment verification, it may be a sign of a problematic rental history.
- Incomplete applications: Incomplete or fraudulent applications may signal that the tenant has something to hide, such as previous evictions or a history of defaulting on rent payments.
Setting Clear Criteria And Screening Standards
Defining Tenant Screening Standards
Before starting the tenant screening process, landlords must define their screening standards.
A clear understanding of what they’re looking for in a tenant will help establish an objective screening process.
Defining screening standards will ensure that landlords find reliable and trustworthy tenants while avoiding complications and legal issues.
Establishing Clear Criteria For Lease Approval
As a landlord, it is essential to have a set of criteria for lease approval. These criteria could include credit score, background checks, employment history and income, and rental history.
Establishing clear criteria will help to avoid claims of discrimination while allowing for a fair and objective screening process.
- Credit score: A good credit score indicates a responsible tenant who is more likely to pay rent on time.
- Background checks: Criminal history checks protect your property and ensure the safety of tenants.
- Employment history and income: Steady income and employment history ensure tenants can afford rent.
- Rental history: Rental history provides insight into a tenant’s renting experience and any potential red flags.
Home Visits And In-Person Interviews
Home visits and in-person interviews are critical to ensuring that the landlord’s screening process is thorough.
Home visits allow landlords to assess the prospective tenant’s living situation, while in-person interviews allow for an evaluation of their personality and behaviour.
These crucial steps can help landlords avoid bad tenants and find the best one for their property.
Home visits
Conducting a visit to a prospective tenant’s current residence allows for an evaluation of their living situation and how they treat their home.
In-person interviews
An in-person interview helps to evaluate a prospective tenant’s personality, communication skills, and behaviour, which are crucial when living in shared spaces such as apartment buildings.
Documenting The Tenant Screening Process
Documenting the tenant screening process is crucial for landlords for several reasons. Here are the key points to consider:
- Documentation provides proof that the screening process was conducted legally and fairly, which can protect landlords against discrimination claims.
- Documentation helps landlords make informed decisions about potential tenants based on objective facts.
- Documentation serves as evidence in case of disputes over the screening process or tenant selection.
- Keeping proper records is a legal requirement in some jurisdictions.
What To Document And How To Do It
Here are the key points to keep in mind when documenting the tenant screening process:
- Start by creating a checklist of documents to gather and information to verify for each applicant, such as identity, income, credit history, and rental history.
- Keep a record of all communication with the applicant, including emails, messages, and phone calls.
- Use a standardized application form that includes all the essential information you need.
- Make sure to get written consent from the applicant to perform background and credit screenings.
- Keep all records secure, confidential, and organized, either in hard copy or electronically.
Common Documentation Mistakes
Here are some common documentation mistakes to avoid:
- Failing to obtain written consent from the applicant to perform background and credit checks.
- Not keeping a copy of the application and screening reports for each applicant.
- Failing to maintain clear and complete records of communication with the applicant.
- Not following a standardized screening process for all applicants.
- Keeping incomplete or inaccurate records that could be challenged in court.
Staying Compliant With Fair Housing Regulations
Landlords are required by law to follow the fair housing act which prohibits any form of discrimination when selecting tenants.
It is critical for landlords to understand fair housing laws to avoid legal issues and penalties.
The fair housing act prohibits discrimination based on the following grounds:
- Race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability.
- Landlords must treat all tenants and applicants equally, without discriminating based on any of the protected characteristics.
- The law applies to all aspects of the tenant screening process, including advertising, showing the property, and selecting tenants.
Avoiding Discrimination In Tenant Screening
It’s crucial to have a tenant screening process in place to select tenants who are suitable for your property.
However, landlords must be careful not to use discriminatory practices during the screening process.
- Use a standard screening process that applies to all applicants equally.
- Avoid asking questions about an applicant’s religion, nationality, or race.
- Request the same information from all applicants, such as rental history, income, and credit score.
- Don’t make assumptions about someone’s disabilities and reasonable accommodations.
- Always make screening decisions based on legitimate business reasons.
Fair Housing Best Practices For Landlords
Landlords must adopt fair housing best practices to comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
Staying compliant with fair housing laws is a continuous process, and landlords must continually remind themselves to avoid discrimination.
- Stay updated with fair housing laws, regulations, and any changes to be able to stay compliant.
- Ensure that your rental policies and screening methods are neutral and don’t discriminate against any protected class.
- Make sure any advertising is non-discriminatory and inclusive.
- Be transparent about the tenant selection process and provide applicants with clear screening criteria.
- Establish clear policies around maintenance, repairs, and property management that do not discriminate.
By following these best practices, landlords can ensure that they provide equal opportunities to all applicants and avoid any legal issues related to discrimination.
Recap Of The Risks In Poor Tenant Screening
When it comes to being a landlord, finding quality tenants who will respect the property, pay rent on time, and follow lease agreements is crucial.
A poor tenant screening process can lead to a variety of risks, including property damage, non-payment of rent, and eviction costs.
Here’s what you need to know about each risk:
Property Damage
- Tenants who do not take care of the property can cause damage that is costly to repair.
- Property damage can include holes in walls, damaged appliances or fixtures, and broken windows.
- Conducting a thorough property inspection and collecting a security deposit can help mitigate the risk of property damage.
Non-Payment Of Rent
- Tenants who do not pay rent on time can negatively impact a landlord’s cash flow, making it difficult to cover expenses like property taxes or mortgage payments.
- Late or non-payment can also lead to legal fees and a lengthy eviction process.
- To prevent non-payment of rent, landlords should conduct a credit check for potential tenants and verify their employment and income.
Eviction Costs
- Eviction costs can include legal fees, lost rent, and the expenses associated with finding a new tenant.
- A difficult eviction process can also cause significant stress and emotional distress for landlords and tenants.
- To avoid eviction costs, landlords should conduct a thorough tenant screening process, including a criminal background check, employment verification, and rental history verification.
Advantages Of Proper Tenant Screening
As a landlord, it’s crucial to screen tenants thoroughly before renting out your property. There are some significant benefits of proper tenant screening, such as:
Better Lease Payment History
When you screen tenants correctly, you can select the ones who pay rent on time and have a positive payment history.
Proper tenant screening can help you avoid tenants who have a record of missed payments or have been evicted from previous rentals.
Better lease payment history means consistent income and fewer headaches for the landlord.
- Conduct a background check to ensure prospective tenants have no outstanding judgments or liens.
- Verify employment and income to confirm that the tenant can afford the rent.
- Contact references to check the tenant’s payment history.
Higher Tenant Retention Rates
A thorough screening process can help you find long-term tenants who take good care of your property.
Such tenants are more likely to stay longer, which reduces vacancy rates and leads to more stable income for landlords.
Tenant retention rates depend on how much effort you put into the screening process.
- Check for previous rental history to know if the tenant has a habit of changing accommodations frequently.
- Look for tenants with stable employment histories, indicating they are less likely to move around.
- Communicate openly with your tenants and address their concerns to build stronger landlord-tenant relationships
Lower Repair And Maintenance Costs
Selecting responsible tenants can help reduce the risk of property damage and the associated costs.
Proper screening can help you identify tenants who are less likely to cause damage to your unit. This can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
- Conduct a walkthrough of the property to ensure that the tenant is aware of its condition before moving in.
- Check the applicant’s credit report to assess their financial responsibility and how they handle their finances.
- Ask the tenant about their lifestyle, such as if they have pets or children, and assess if the property is suitable for them.
Good tenant selection is essential to the success of a rental property.
Proper tenant screening helps landlords make informed decisions and reduce the risk of financial loss, property damage, and legal disputes.
Taking the time to screen tenants will lead to more stable rental income, higher tenant retention rates, and lower repair and maintenance costs.
Frequently Asked Questions Of What Tenant Checks Should A Landlord Do
What Tenant Checks Should A Landlord Do Before Renting Out A Property?
Landlords should perform background checks, credit checks, employment verification, and rental references to ensure a reliable tenant.
How Can A Landlord Perform A Background Check On A Potential Tenant?
A landlord can perform a background check by obtaining the tenant’s social security number, running a credit check, and verifying criminal history.
Is It Necessary To Conduct A Credit Check Before Renting A Property?
Yes, conducting a credit check ensures that the potential tenant has a good history of paying their bills and debts on time, which predicts their reliability as a tenant.
What Questions Should A Landlord Ask When Verifying Employment And Rental References?
Landlords should ask how long the tenant has been employed or lived at their current residence if they have any late payments or evictions, and if they are good tenants.
Conclusion
Mastering tenant checks ensures you’re handing over your property keys to reliable tenants. Dive into credit checks, proof of income, and reference checks.
Remember, as a landlord, your peace of mind hinges on understanding your tenant’s reliability. You’ve got this!
Reference
https://www.nyc.gov/site/fairhousing/rights-responsibilities/tenant-selection.page