Tenant screening represents the most critical decision in rental property management. Quality tenants pay rent consistently and maintain properties well. Proper screening reduces eviction rates by over 80%.
Establishing Objective Criteria
Create written screening criteria: minimum credit score (600-650), income 2.5-3x monthly rent, no recent evictions, acceptable references. Apply identically to avoid Fair Housing violations.
Technology Solutions
Modern platforms like RentSpree or MySmartMove streamline screening for $25-$45 per application, pulling credit reports, criminal backgrounds, and eviction history instantly.