Landlord tenant screening checklist

Tenant screening should be organized, consistent, and fair. A simple written process can help you review applicants without relying on guesses or incomplete background-check results. Use this checklist as a starting point before signing a new lease.

Before collecting background information

1. Set clear rental criteria. Define your lawful criteria in advance and apply them consistently to applicants.
2. Follow fair housing rules. Federal, state, and local anti-discrimination protections apply to housing decisions. Rules about using criminal and other records vary by location.
3. Explain screening upfront. Tell applicants what checks you plan to request and obtain any required permission.
4. Confirm permitted uses. Order screening only when you have a valid housing-related purpose and meet the applicable legal requirements.

While reviewing applications

5. Check rental and employment information lawfully. Use consistent questions and suitable ways to verify important details.
6. Consider available eviction records carefully. A filing does not establish that a tenant was evicted. Verify any match and final outcome. See our eviction history guide.
7. Know the limits of criminal and civil records. Similar names, incomplete data, sealed cases, and state restrictions can change what a result means.
8. Distinguish credit screening from court-record screening. Our background-check guide explains the difference. NoBadTenants does not include a credit report.

Before reaching a rental decision

9. Double-check possible mismatches. Don't assume every name match belongs to the applicant.
10. Keep relevant records secure. Limit access and avoid sharing applicant details beyond the legitimate screening process.
11. Check notice requirements. If you take an adverse action based on a consumer report, the FCRA may require specific notices and information.
12. Document the decision consistently. Follow applicable federal, state, and local law and let applicants exercise any rights to dispute incorrect information.

Where NoBadTenants fits

NoBadTenants offers landlord-requested, human-reviewed public-record searches for a listed $25 flat fee per applicant, where available and lawful. These are only one part of a sound rental application process. To begin, send a screening request and complete Stripe checkout.