Tenant Screening: 5 Simple Steps to Choosing the Right Tenants for Your Rental Property

Choosing the right tenant can be a time-consuming process for landlords. A consistent tenant screening system can help you evaluate applicants based on relevant information while keeping your process organized. Depending on applicable federal, state, and local laws, screening may include rental history, income verification, credit information, and other legally permitted criteria. In this Redfin article, we’ll walk you through five essential steps for screening rental applicants. No matter if you’re renting out a home in Detroit, MI, or managing a property in Chicago, IL, here’s what to know before choosing your next tenant. 1. Abide by local, state, and federal laws Tenant screening involves more than deciding whether an applicant meets your established screening criteria. Landlords must follow applicable federal, state, and local laws when advertising a property, evaluating applicants, and making rental decisions. Requirements can vary depending on where the property is located, so make sure you understand the rules that apply to your rental. At the federal level, the Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial ...