6 Things to Watch for During Screening
As a landlord or property investor, finding the right tenant is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rental property and maintain steady income. A well-qualified tenant pays rent on time, takes care of the property, and avoids legal or behavioral issues. But how do you separate the great tenants from the risky ones?
The answer lies in a thorough background check for real estate — and understanding what to look for during the screening process. Here are six key traits and red flags to watch for when reviewing a prospective tenant’s background.
We provide our landlord and real estate agent clients with a comprehensive tenant screening report including a criminal record check, credit and background check and much more. Join our tenant screening service for free and let us conduct background checks to make you more productive and profitable.
1. Consistent Employment and Income
A great tenant has steady income and a verifiable job history. Employment stability suggests financial reliability, which is critical when you’re counting on rent being paid on time every month. During screening, check for:
- At least 6–12 months at their current job
- A monthly income of at least 3x the rent amount
- No unexplained gaps in employment
Our background check services for tenants include employment verification and income documentation to make this step seamless for landlords.
2. Clean (or Reasonable) Credit History
While perfect credit isn’t always necessary, a tenant’s credit report should reflect responsible financial behavior. Key things to look for:
- No recent bankruptcies or large unpaid debts
- On-time payment history for credit cards and loans
- Low to moderate debt-to-income ratio
A credit check helps you assess whether a tenant is likely to pay rent consistently and manage other financial responsibilities.
3. No Prior Evictions or Rental Red Flags
Past rental history is one of the strongest indicators of future behavior. An applicant with a history of evictions, unpaid rent, or lease violations may not be worth the risk. Warning signs include:
- Prior evictions (especially recent or multiple)
- Negative references from previous landlords
- Gaps in rental history with no clear explanation
With our online rental application and background check, landlords receive rental history and eviction reports to help spot these issues early.
4. Clear Criminal Background (or Contextual Disclosures)
While every situation is different, serious or violent criminal convictions — especially those related to property damage, theft, or drug offenses — may signal future problems.
Landlords should evaluate criminal history based on:
- Type and severity of the offense
- How long ago it occurred
- Whether the applicant has shown signs of rehabilitation
Our screening process includes a comprehensive criminal background check, using national and state databases, so you can make informed decisions.
5. Complete and Accurate Application
An often-overlooked sign of a great tenant is simply how they complete the application. A well-qualified tenant will:
- Submit all required information
- Provide accurate references and documentation
- Respond promptly to requests or follow-ups
An incomplete or rushed application may be a red flag — or indicate a lack of seriousness or responsibility.
6. Good Communication and Professionalism
While not something you’ll find in a report, the way an applicant communicates during the process can tell you a lot. Are they respectful, responsive, and organized? Do they ask the right questions about the lease or expectations?
The best tenants see themselves as partners in keeping your property in good shape, and it shows from day one.
Make Better Tenant Decisions with Landlord Tenant Services
At Landlord Tenant Services, we make it easy for landlords, property managers, and real estate professionals to find high-quality tenants through our background check services for tenants. Our in-house team performs every check — no outsourcing, no guesswork — ensuring you receive accurate, timely reports.
Sign up for free background checks and then get started with our online rental application and background check system, applicants pay for their own screening, and you get everything you need to make the right call — from credit to criminal history and beyond.
