Can I not schedule a tour if tenant doesn't pass my prescreening questions?

Chicago, Illinois
General Landlording & Rental Properties
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Can I not schedule a tour if tenant doesn't pass my prescreening questions?

Maya Jones
Member since 2025 · 126 posts · 45 votes

I am new to this screening process, first time listing units in the market and getting request for tours. I have told everyone that before scheduling a tour we do a prescreening call. 
If a tenant, shows during prescreening call that for example they don't meet our 3x/rent income threshhold, can I go back to them and say we are currently scheduling showing for prospective tenants that meet our screening criteria. 
Is that legal and fair? I am in Chicago for reference

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Paul De Luca
Real Estate Agent · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9mo

@Maya Jones

Yes, pre-screening is allowed and recommended before scheduling showings. If you showed your property to anyone you would waste a lot of time.

 You will quickly learn that even pre-screened renters are often flaky (won't show up or will cancel) or will not entirely be honest about things like their credit score. For this reason I recommend doing group showings for efficiency.

Personally I don't do a pre-screening call but make sure the renter states in writing that they meet the renter requirements. Don't just take them at face value for "yes, I meet the criteria". Ask follow up questions such as "can you confirm your credit score" or "what is your gross monthly household income", "when are you looking to move in?". I can't tell you the number of times someone has told me they meet the renter requirements but then they say their credit score is actually 500 and make below the minimum income amount. It may be more efficient to send renters a short form to fill out to avoid back and forth.

Make sure to apply your screening criteria to everyone equally and not violate fair housing laws.

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  • Jennie Ballard
    Member since 2025 · 40 posts · 13 votes
    9mo

    Are your tenant requirements listed on rental posting and applied equally to all applicants?

    1Reply
  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    9mo

    the whole point of screening is to ensure the tenants are a good fit.  As long as you don't violate any policies (eg discriminate based on race, age, gender, etc), you should be fine.  Look up fair housing policies.

    2Reply
  • Aaron ZimmermanBusiness Member
    Accountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9mo
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  • David PeschioBusiness Member
    Richmond, VA · Member since 2019 · 358 posts · 181 votes
    9mo

    @Theresa Harris is spot on.  You should be able to prescreen so you are not wasting time showing to somebody who will not qualify.  Pets is an example - if you do not allow and they have one why waste time to show them the property.

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    • Maya Jones
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 126 posts · 45 votes
      9mo

      @David Peschio yes I agree, what about if they told you that they have some disagreemtn with current landlord? Or they are uneomployed? Would that be good enough reason to deny a tour? 

      0Reply
    • Jennie Ballard
      Member since 2025 · 40 posts · 13 votes
      9mo
      Quote from @Maya Jones:

      @David Peschio yes I agree, what about if they told you that they have some disagreemtn with current landlord? Or they are uneomployed? Would that be good enough reason to deny a tour? 

      Disagreement with current landlord is not an allowable exclusion. If they are in process of being evicted, that could be IF your requirements list no ongoing or previous evictions.
      If they are unemployed, they would need to have guarantor that meets income and credit score requirements.
      0Reply
  • Paul De Luca
    Real Estate Agent · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9mo

    @Maya Jones

    Yes, pre-screening is allowed and recommended before scheduling showings. If you showed your property to anyone you would waste a lot of time.

     You will quickly learn that even pre-screened renters are often flaky (won't show up or will cancel) or will not entirely be honest about things like their credit score. For this reason I recommend doing group showings for efficiency.

    Personally I don't do a pre-screening call but make sure the renter states in writing that they meet the renter requirements. Don't just take them at face value for "yes, I meet the criteria". Ask follow up questions such as "can you confirm your credit score" or "what is your gross monthly household income", "when are you looking to move in?". I can't tell you the number of times someone has told me they meet the renter requirements but then they say their credit score is actually 500 and make below the minimum income amount. It may be more efficient to send renters a short form to fill out to avoid back and forth.

    Make sure to apply your screening criteria to everyone equally and not violate fair housing laws.

    8Reply
    • Maya Jones
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 126 posts · 45 votes
      9mo

      @Paul De Luca thanks. What kind of wording would you use if sb doesnt meet your prescreening criteria but they request a tour? 

      0Reply
    • Jade Miali EverettBusiness Member
      Real Estate Consultant · Sebastopol, CA · Member since 2017 · 41 posts · 17 votes
      7mo
      Quote from @Maya Jones:

      @Paul De Luca thanks. What kind of wording would you use if sb doesnt meet your prescreening criteria but they request a tour? 


       I would just say that we are going with other applicants. Another thing that you can do is provide your rental criteria up front and I also have a handout that talks about What to Expect From Working With Us and it spells out our expectations for a respectful relationship with our tenants where good communication is key. You'll find that communicating what you expect up front makes a lot of folks drop off when they realize that you're serious.

      Intuitive Property Consulting.
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  • Marc Winter
    Real Estate Broker · Northeast PA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    9mo

    "Equal rights" means all people are treated equally.  That applies to the acceptance or rejection of an application.

    In your situation, I'd make sure to send those pre-screening questions to the applicant and get their answers in writing.  Maintain those files in perpetuity.  That will eliminate 'he said, she said' arguments.  

    Lastly, do not be afraid to refuse to show the rental unit to an unqualified prospect so long as you have written proof of their disqualifying statements, and all applicants are treated the same.

    Remember, the laws are designed to provide equal treatment to all, not acceptance of all applications.  

    We always provide the same rotten service to all our applicants and tenants.  ;-)

    4Reply
    • Tyler FoshePro Member
      Rental Property Investor · Los Angeles Area · Member since 2021 · 58 posts · 23 votes
      9mo
      Quote from @Marc Winter:

      "Equal rights" means all people are treated equally.  That applies to the acceptance or rejection of an application.

      In your situation, I'd make sure to send those pre-screening questions to the applicant and get their answers in writing.  Maintain those files in perpetuity.  That will eliminate 'he said, she said' arguments.  

      Lastly, do not be afraid to refuse to show the rental unit to an unqualified prospect so long as you have written proof of their disqualifying statements, and all applicants are treated the same.

      Remember, the laws are designed to provide equal treatment to all, not acceptance of all applications.  

      We always provide the same rotten service to all our applicants and tenants.  ;-)

      Thanks Marc for that great suggestion to get answers to pre-screening questions in writing from prospective tenants.

      1Reply
  • Marcus Auerbach
    Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    9mo

    A really good book on this topic: Landlording on Autopilot by Mike Buttler - he used to be a cop, street smart

    2Reply
  • Peter MckernanBusiness Member
    Residential Real Estate Agent · Irvine, CA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9mo

    This is a good way to not waste your time going out to the property, what we like doing is having these questions answered proper to meeting them. If they say no then that is okay, but if they still want to see the place I have my team go out show this person and other people at the same time to get a feel for competition even if that person is not fully good for the property. Also, think about this person if they do not meet the 3x gross in income and 3x gross rent in their bank account but meets all the rest of the stuff.. They may have a solid cosigner to help them out as long as that person signs as a grantor. 

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  • David PeschioBusiness Member
    Richmond, VA · Member since 2019 · 358 posts · 181 votes
    9mo

    @Maya Jones I would say no - should be some cut and dry requirements - not something like that - best thing is to ask same questions to each applicant and not something like a disagreement with a landlord.  

    [email protected]804-909-1929
    PMI Richmond4.4299 Reviews
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    0Reply
  • Edgar Gallo
    Property Manager · Chicago, IL · Member since 2015 · 1 post · 1 vote
    7mo

    Hi Maya 

    They're are several ways to go about showings and screenings. I would say some ways minimize headaches over other ways. One thing I do as an investor and property manager in Chicago is assuming you have the qualifications shown in the listing. I re-highlight the qualifications required for the unit via email. Then follow up with something like... if you feel like you are a good fit for this unit we are doing showings on xx date between xx times. I always do group showings so that you are not going every other day to do a showing. Even with group showings I follow up the day before via text to confirm the interested parties are still interested. Even after all this some might not show up but by grouping your showings and creating a system that works for you you can minimize wasted time and effort. Always always follow fair housing and Civil rights acts when going about showings and screenings. I have had test callers call in the past to make sure I am following fair housing and civil rights acts on listings. 

    Good Luck!

    1Reply
  • Adam BartomeoBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Cape Coral, FL · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    7mo

    Its stupid... Who care if they meet your criteria if they have a million dollars in the bank... In a market that is as tough as this you want as many showings as possible and qualify them later. You should be open to negotiating a win/win scenario. 

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  • Melanie ThomasBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · San Antonio · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 489 votes
    7mo

    Yes you can and you should. Prescreening before showing is a normal part of the leasing process and helps protect your time and safety.

    As long as you have written screening criteria and apply it consistently, it is legal and fair. If someone tells you they do not meet your income requirement, you can simply say:

    “At this time we are scheduling showings for applicants who meet our screening criteria.”

    This is fine as long as your criteria is objective and not based on any protected class.

    If you are new to this, you can also hire a property manager for leasing only services and learn the process from the professionals.

    Happy to share my criteria if you want to message me. Good luck & happy investing!

    [email protected]
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  • Mike FisherBusiness Member
    New Lenox, IL · Member since 2024 · 98 posts · 55 votes
    7mo

    Thanks Melanie, agreed. We prescreen first to protect time and safety. We use written, objective criteria (income/credit/eviction history) applied consistently, and if someone confirms they don’t meet it we reply: “At this time we’re scheduling showings for applicants who meet our screening criteria.”

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  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    7mo

    Can you and should you are two different things!

    Legally, not aware of any issues, but check your state & local statutes.
    NOTE: To avoid Fair Housing lawsuits, you will have to enforce 100% of the time.

    Other considerations:

    1) SHOWINGS: you can prescreen for improved safety. Even require copy of valid state ID

    2) FILTER: if you're getting lots of requests, you can pre-screen.
    If low requests, you can stop pre-screening.

    3) QUESTIONS: mix & match as needed or appropriate:
    When are you looking to move?
    - Some prospects aren't moving for months, but want to see what's available.

    Why are you moving? 
    - Are they a problem tenant or is there a negative reason they are moving?
    "Lease ending" is NOT an acceptable answer.
    - Great followup question is, "why aren't you renewing your lease?"

    How many people will be occupying the home?
    - Check your local laws about max occupants.

    How many pets do you have?
    - Better question than, "Do you have pets"!

    How long have you been at your current job?
    - Can't make consistent rent payments w/o consistent employment!
    May also find out if self-employed and latest tax returns needed to verify income.

    How are you paid (hourly/salary/commission)?
    - Commission => variable income => possibly unstable

    How much are you paid?
    - NEVER ask how much per month as many exaggerate!
    - Hourly rate x 173 hours/month = monthly income
    - Salary:
    --- Paid every 2 weeks: $x x 2.2 = monthly income
    --- Paid bi-weekly (2x each month): $x x 2 = monthly income

    What amount do you have currently saved for your move?
    - some applicants want to you to hold your property until they can save up needed funds.

    You may also want to ask how much their car payment is.
    - If more than 10-15% of their monthly income, may lead to rent payment problems!

    I'm sure others can add more questions...

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  • Dave Charron
    Investor · Syracuse, NY · Member since 2010 · 165 posts · 75 votes
    7mo

    we use an online pre-screening questionnaire before any phone call or showing.  Filling that out is the first step. If they cant do that then we dont want them.  Saves a lot of time.

    1Reply
  • Bo SmithPro Member
    Hinton, WV · Member since 2026 · 1k+ posts · 373 votes
    7mo

    Yep totally legal and actually smart business - saves everyone time. Just make sure your criteria are applied consistently across all applicants (fair housing). One tip: I always tell prospects upfront what the requirements are when they first inquire, before the prescreening call. Cuts down on wasted calls. How are you currently communicating your requirements to initial inquiries?

    0Reply
  • Joe Loveday
    Investor · MI · Member since 2026 · 17 posts · 4 votes
    7mo

    I do not show my properties unless the potential resident is completely qualified to rent it.

    That means an approved application with an acceptable background/credit profile check.

    0Reply
  • Janice Carter
    Real Estate Broker · Atlanta · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 605 votes
    7mo

    Yes, that is both legal and appropriate as long as you apply your criteria consistently to everyone. I always post my tenant requirements upfront and prescreen before showing. It saves time and avoids misunderstandings. Just be sure your criteria are written and consistently enforced.

    0Reply
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