New Landlord: How to Screen Tenants & Attract More Applications
Member since 2025 · 2 posts · 2 votes
New Landlord: How to Screen Tenants & Attract More Applications
Most Popular Reply
Palak,
Many online tools like RentSavvy, Avail, Turbotenant, RentRedi, Apartment.com help you do this process.
Having said that, since you're a newbie my strong suggestion is to go thru a professional initially. You can avoid costly mistakes.
18 Replies
Palak,
Many online tools like RentSavvy, Avail, Turbotenant, RentRedi, Apartment.com help you do this process.Having said that, since you're a newbie my strong suggestion is to go thru a professional initially. You can avoid costly mistakes.
- Property Manager · DE · Member since 2023 · 248 posts · 133 votes1yI'm not sure where your home is located but many property management companies, like mine, offer tenant screening services so I suggest you utilize that if possible.
Quote from @Palak Patel:
Hi everyone,
I am new to the rental business and just purchased my first rental property. I want to make sure I screen tenants properly, but I am not sure where to start.
-What steps should I take to screen tenant applications?
-How do you conduct background checks, and which services do you recommend?
-What key criteria should I use to evaluate tenants (e.g., credit score, income, rental history)?
-What are the best ways to attract more quality rental applications?
Any advice or resources would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
We pull credit (with score), criminal background, eviction etc. Also check and verify income (and proof of with paystubs and/or tax returns), verify rental references etc
You will want to have a minimum requirement for approval (such as credit score, income etc) and state that in your advertisements.
Good luck! - 1yDrew SygitBusiness MemberProperty Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
@Palak Patel copied from our website, so use what's useful for you:
_________________________________________________________________________
Below is more information about what our Applications Department does to screen applicants and find the best tenants possible for your property.
- Required Info
We require the following from each applicant over the age of 18, that is not a dependent of another applicant (as evidenced on a tax return):
- Copy of acceptable state picture ID
- Recent YTD paystub
- Recent W-2
- Recent Bank Statement, all pages, no info blacked out
- Recent tax return if self-employed
Applicants are often slow about turning this information in, asking us why we need it and then taking several days to submit. Then they complain that our process takes too long!
- Credit History
Many companies use credit summaries, but we find these rarely tell the whole credit story. So, we obtain a full credit report and review collections, chargeoffs, age of credit accounts, active accounts, etc. to build an overall credit evaluation.
FICO Score Pct of Population Default Probability 800 or more 13.00% 1.00% 750-799 27.00% 1.00% 700-749 18.00% 4.40% 650-699 15.00% 8.90% 600-649 12.00% 15.80% 550-599 8.00% 22.50% 500-549 5.00% 28.40% Less than 499 2.00% 41.00% We also obtain data from national databases about evictions, convictions, and sex-offender histories. These all require applicants to submit an acceptable Letter of Explanation addressing each specific issue and occurrence.
- Public Records
We also obtain data from national databases about evictions, convictions, and sex-offender histories. These all require applicants to submit an acceptable Letter of Explanation addressing each specific issue and occurrence.
- Rental History
Because a current landlord may say anything to get rid of a bad tenant out of desperation, we also require information for the previous landlord of all applicants…
- Analyze Income
Many landlords require a month of paystubs from applicants and just use these to calculate a monthly qualifying income…
- Employment Stability
Unless an applicant has exceptional credit, we strive to determine their stability of employment…
- Assets
We are one of the few management companies that requires a bank statement as part of our application process…
- Letter Of Explanation
Any time there are credit issues or we discover an inconsistency, we require a written letter of explanation (LOX)…
- Underwriting
Traditionally, landlords have only looked at the income of applicants…
- Approval
Once an applicant is approved, we require a nonrefundable Holding Fee to make sure they are serious…
Logical Property Management4.9465 Reviews - Required Info
- Member since 2018 · 62 posts · 37 votes1y
Zillow is good platform for taking applications and for posting your listing. Applicants pay a one-time application fee, which is valid for 30 days, allowing them to apply to multiple properties within that period using the same fee. As a landlord, Zillow provides you with a background check, credit score, and a well-formatted application for each applicant. Your property is also listed in multiple sites owned by Zillow, and is free! Depending on your property's location, setting a minimum FICO score is advisable. A FICO score requirement of 650 or higher, along with at least three years of consistent income that's 3X the monthly rent, are also a good ideas. These are just guidelines and may need to be adjusted based on your property's location and class. While these criteria work well for Class A and B properties, they might not be suitable for Class C. Personally, I believe it's preferable to have stricter requirements and wait for a qualified tenant. The payoff is worth it in the long run with reliable, on-time rent payments and tenants who are more likely to stay long-term, and take care of your property.
- 1yMaranda TuckerPro MemberProperty Manager · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2022 · 152 posts · 118 votes
Quote from @Jorge Caceres:
Zillow is good platform for taking applications and for posting your listing. Applicants pay a one-time application fee, which is valid for 30 days, allowing them to apply to multiple properties within that period using the same fee. As a landlord, Zillow provides you with a background check, credit score, and a well-formatted application for each applicant. Your property is also listed in multiple sites owned by Zillow, and is free! Depending on your property's location, setting a minimum FICO score is advisable. A FICO score requirement of 650 or higher, along with at least three years of consistent income that's 3X the monthly rent, are also a good ideas. These are just guidelines and may need to be adjusted based on your property's location and class. While these criteria work well for Class A and B properties, they might not be suitable for Class C. Personally, I believe it's preferable to have stricter requirements and wait for a qualified tenant. The payoff is worth it in the long run with reliable, on-time rent payments and tenants who are more likely to stay long-term, and take care of your property.
I want to throw caution to the zillow applications. In our market (Charlotte,NC), the RE Attorney we work with mentioned that the majority of the evictions he saw in 2024 were from zillow applications!
- Zillow has been my choice, but not the only app we use. Zillow does need some tweaking. With the mergers currently in effect, with other property management apps; should provide more improvements in 2025. At least, we
Quote from @Maranda Tucker:
Quote from @Jorge Caceres:
Zillow is good platform for taking applications and for posting your listing. Applicants pay a one-time application fee, which is valid for 30 days, allowing them to apply to multiple properties within that period using the same fee. As a landlord, Zillow provides you with a background check, credit score, and a well-formatted application for each applicant. Your property is also listed in multiple sites owned by Zillow, and is free! Depending on your property's location, setting a minimum FICO score is advisable. A FICO score requirement of 650 or higher, along with at least three years of consistent income that's 3X the monthly rent, are also a good ideas. These are just guidelines and may need to be adjusted based on your property's location and class. While these criteria work well for Class A and B properties, they might not be suitable for Class C. Personally, I believe it's preferable to have stricter requirements and wait for a qualified tenant. The payoff is worth it in the long run with reliable, on-time rent payments and tenants who are more likely to stay long-term, and take care of your property.
I want to throw caution to the zillow applications. In our market (Charlotte,NC), the RE Attorney we work with mentioned that the majority of the evictions he saw in 2024 were from zillow applications!
hope! - 1yMaranda TuckerPro MemberProperty Manager · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2022 · 152 posts · 118 votes
Quote from @Shirl C.:
Zillow has been my choice, but not the only app we use. Zillow does need some tweaking. With the mergers currently in effect, with other property management apps; should provide more improvements in 2025. At least, weQuote from @Maranda Tucker:
Quote from @Jorge Caceres:
Zillow is good platform for taking applications and for posting your listing. Applicants pay a one-time application fee, which is valid for 30 days, allowing them to apply to multiple properties within that period using the same fee. As a landlord, Zillow provides you with a background check, credit score, and a well-formatted application for each applicant. Your property is also listed in multiple sites owned by Zillow, and is free! Depending on your property's location, setting a minimum FICO score is advisable. A FICO score requirement of 650 or higher, along with at least three years of consistent income that's 3X the monthly rent, are also a good ideas. These are just guidelines and may need to be adjusted based on your property's location and class. While these criteria work well for Class A and B properties, they might not be suitable for Class C. Personally, I believe it's preferable to have stricter requirements and wait for a qualified tenant. The payoff is worth it in the long run with reliable, on-time rent payments and tenants who are more likely to stay long-term, and take care of your property.
I want to throw caution to the zillow applications. In our market (Charlotte,NC), the RE Attorney we work with mentioned that the majority of the evictions he saw in 2024 were from zillow applications!
hope!Oh my goodness! I just had to look this up.
- Investor · Costa Mesa, CA · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes1y
The best way to attract quality tenants is to buy quality properties. Quality tenants aren’t going to live in D properties.
- Member since 2018 · 62 posts · 37 votes1y
Quote from @Maranda Tucker:
Quote from @Jorge Caceres:
Zillow is good platform for taking applications and for posting your listing. Applicants pay a one-time application fee, which is valid for 30 days, allowing them to apply to multiple properties within that period using the same fee. As a landlord, Zillow provides you with a background check, credit score, and a well-formatted application for each applicant. Your property is also listed in multiple sites owned by Zillow, and is free! Depending on your property's location, setting a minimum FICO score is advisable. A FICO score requirement of 650 or higher, along with at least three years of consistent income that's 3X the monthly rent, are also a good ideas. These are just guidelines and may need to be adjusted based on your property's location and class. While these criteria work well for Class A and B properties, they might not be suitable for Class C. Personally, I believe it's preferable to have stricter requirements and wait for a qualified tenant. The payoff is worth it in the long run with reliable, on-time rent payments and tenants who are more likely to stay long-term, and take care of your property.
I want to throw caution to the zillow applications. In our market (Charlotte,NC), the RE Attorney we work with mentioned that the majority of the evictions he saw in 2024 were from zillow applications!
Good to know @Maranda Tucker. I've been lucky so far in Northern California. However, you should never just trust information provided by either any platform or the applicant directly. Remember: "Trust, but verify." Do your due diligence and call references, contact employers, meet the applicant, etc.
- Member since 2020 · 8 posts · 1 vote1y
Hi,
I would do the same going with Zillow applications, applicant pay $35 and Zillow checks the background, criminal and eviction history for you! also, they can list the property in different platforms for a small fee! Good luck!
Quote from @Ajish Abraham Thomas:
Hi,
I would do the same going with Zillow applications, applicant pay $35 and Zillow checks the background, criminal and eviction history for you! also, they can list the property in different platforms for a small fee! Good luck!
- Lancaster, NY · Member since 2021 · 92 posts · 53 votes1y
All background checks are NOT the same! Many services only provide basic credit reports, which no longer include judgments and liens—key indicators of financial responsibility. If you’re screening tenants, it’s important to use a service that gives you the full picture.
✅ ID Verification – Confirms applicants are who they say they are to prevent fraud.
✅ Judgments & Liens Search – Since these no longer appear on credit reports, a separate search helps uncover unpaid debts or legal issues.
✅ Eviction History – Shows past rental behavior and any prior evictions.
✅ Criminal Background Check – Nationwide search for any relevant offenses.
✅ Verified Income Data – Analyzes bank deposits rather than just pay stubs, which can be faked.Using a trusted screening service that includes these searches ensures you’re making informed decisions and protecting your investment. A little extra due diligence now can save you from costly tenant issues later!
- 1yAdam BartomeoBusiness MemberReal Estate Broker · Cape Coral, FL · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Screening tenants is all about having systems and criteria in place. This helps you to make a decision and form an opinion on whether the tenants risk factor. Based on the risk you can rent, deny, or find a way to make it work by asking for higher security or advanced rent. The criteria that we look at and prefer is 600+ credit, no felonies or repeat misdemeanors, no evictions, income equal to or higher than 2.5 times rent.
Bartomeo Property Management4.7150 Reviews - Rental Property Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2025 · 15 posts · 14 votes1y
Congrats on your first rental—exciting step! As a new landlord, I recommend starting with a platform like Zillow Rental Manager—you can list your property, accept applications, and run background and credit checks all in one place, which keeps things simple and organized. When screening, aim to verify income (ideally 3x the rent), check credit (600+ is a good baseline), review rental history, and contact previous landlords. Always get written consent to screen and verify info. High-quality photos, a well-written listing, and clear screening criteria will help attract solid applicants. Taking the time to screen thoroughly now will save you a lot of headaches later.
- 1yAustin WyrickBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Cedar Rapids IA · Member since 2022 · 26 posts · 16 votes
Hi Palak,
Use the services on bigger pockets for tenant screening.
Also use Zillow to post your rental for the most eyeballs to land on it. Facebook Marketplace is also good but be cautious of scammers.
Hope this helps. Best of luck!
- 1yKyle MccawBusiness MemberProperty Manager · Keller, TX · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Congrats on your first rental, @Palak Patel—huge step. Here's a framework we use when managing a large number of rentals across Texas:
1. Screening Process
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Start with a written rental criteria policy (so you're consistent and compliant with Fair Housing).
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Use a screening service built into your property management software for credit/criminal history.
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For income verification, go beyond PDFs. Tools like Verifast or Plaid pull data straight from banks or payroll providers. That's key—over 70% of apps have some form of fraud.
2. Key Criteria
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We look for 3x the monthly rent in verifiable income, stable job history, and a credit score above 600 (but evaluate the whole picture—medical debt is common and not always a deal-breaker).
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No recent evictions or violent criminal history.
3. Attracting Quality Tenants
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Great photos, clear pricing, and easy online applications go a long way.
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Syndicate your listing to Zillow, Apartments.com, Realtor.com, and if possible, the MLS—it brings better quality.
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Respond fast—many good tenants are applying to multiple properties.
IMPORTANT—>screening is where most landlord regrets start. It’s work upfront, but saves massive headaches later.
McCaw Property Management4.4909 Reviews -
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