Owner's Advantage guide
Tenant Screening Checklist: choose great tenants fairly and consistently
Good screening prevents most landlord headaches. The key is to write your criteria first, apply them the same way to every applicant, and document each decision.
Tenant Screening Playbook — $15
Write fair criteria, verify income and history, and document every decision.
Or get it inside The Complete Landlord Operating System ($49, all 5 guides).
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The tenant screening checklist
- Written rental criteria posted with the listing
- Same pre-screen questions for everyone
- Complete application from every adult
- Photo ID verified
- Income verified independently
- Current and previous landlord called
- Credit and background reviewed (where lawful)
- Decision documented against criteria
- Approval or adverse action notice sent
- Records stored securely
Fair housing first
Federal law protects race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability, and many states and cities add more, such as source of income. Consistent written criteria are your best protection.
Frequently asked questions
What income should a tenant have?
Many landlords use 2.5–3× the monthly rent, but check whether your area requires counting vouchers and other lawful income.
Do I have to send an adverse action notice?
If you deny or add conditions based in whole or part on a consumer report, federal law requires one.
Is this legal advice?
No. Check your local screening rules.
General educational information only — not legal advice. Landlord-tenant law varies by state and city; check your local law or consult a licensed attorney.
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Who wrote this
Fernando Castro
- Navy veteran
- Owns multiple rental properties
- Multiple real estate investments
- Has done multiple subject-to deals
- Licensed real estate agent
I'm a landlord who learned the hard way. Every checklist in here exists because something went sideways without it: a deposit I couldn't prove, a renewal I left too late, a notice I almost got wrong. The Navy taught me to run things off a checklist, because a checklist doesn't have a bad day. So I wrote mine down. Straight answers, real examples, no fluff.