Tenant Screening: Finding Quality Tenants Every Time

Finding the right tenant is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a property owner. A great tenant makes for smooth operations and steady income. A poor tenant choice can lead to costly disputes, property damage, and eviction expenses.

Why Tenant Screening Matters

The cost of placing a bad tenant is significant:

• Average eviction costs: $2,000-$5,000+
• Property damage repairs: $500-$5,000+
• Lost rent during vacancy and legal proceedings: $2,000-$10,000+

Meanwhile, a thorough screening process typically costs less than $300 per applicant. The math is clear: invest in screening.

The Screening Process

1. Application Verification

• Verify employment and income (typically looking for income 3x the rent)
• Check references from previous landlords
• Confirm identity and Social Security number

2. Credit Report Review

• Look for payment history and outstanding debts
• Identify problematic patterns of defaults or late payments
• Review total debt-to-income ratio

3. Background Check

• Verify criminal history (while complying with fair housing laws)
• Look for eviction records
• Check rental history for problem tenants

4. Interview

• Meet the applicant in person when possible
• Ask about their rental history and reasons for moving
• Discuss household composition and pets
• Assess professionalism and willingness to follow rules

Fair Housing Compliance

While screening is critical, it must be done fairly and legally:

• Apply the same standards to all applicants
• Don’t discriminate based on protected classes (race, color, religion, national origin, disability, family status, sex)
• Document your screening criteria and decisions
• Keep records of all applicants for at least 3 years

Red Flags to Watch For

• Gaps in employment history
• History of evictions or property damage
• Multiple late payments on credit report
• Unwillingness to provide references or information
• Inconsistent information between application and interview

Green Flags

• Stable employment history
• Clean rental and credit history
• References from previous landlords praising reliability
• Income well above rent requirements
• Professional demeanor and clear communication

The Professional Advantage

At Franceschini Property Management, our experienced team handles the entire screening process professionally, ensuring we find quality tenants while maintaining full compliance with Pennsylvania and federal fair housing laws. This reduces your risk and maximizes your rental income.

Quality tenants are the foundation of successful property management. Invest in the screening process, and your investment will thrive.

Need help with tenant placement and management? Contact us to discuss your needs.