In Practice
Tenant screening is how you decide whether an applicant meets your community's standards before you hand over the keys. It usually includes verifying identity, confirming income, reviewing credit, checking rental and eviction history, and in many places a criminal background check. It is one of the highest-stakes steps in leasing, since it affects collections, safety and fair housing risk all at once.
A good process starts with written criteria that you apply the same way to every applicant: minimum income, credit standards, rental history, and criminal history rules. Those criteria should be posted or shared on request. Because screening reports are consumer reports, the FCRA applies, and if a report leads you to deny an application or add conditions, you send an adverse action notice.
Example: two applicants apply for the same unit. One has lower credit but strong income and a good landlord reference. If your criteria allow a co-signer or a higher deposit as an option, you offer the same option to anyone in the same situation, and you note the decision in the file.
The common mistakes are making exceptions on a hunch, applying rules differently by person, and rejecting everyone with any record without an individualized look. HUD has warned that blanket criminal history bans can create fair housing risk. Some states and cities also limit what you can ask or consider. Check local law and counsel, and review your criteria at least once a year.
Tenant Screening: Common Questions
What does tenant screening include?
Most screening covers identity, income verification, credit, rental history and eviction records, and often criminal background where the law allows it.
Can a landlord deny an applicant for a criminal record?
Sometimes, but blanket bans can create fair housing risk, and some states and cities restrict how records can be used. Use written criteria and check local law.
What is a good credit score for renting an apartment?
There is no federal standard. Each community sets its own criteria, and the same criteria should apply to every applicant.
