5 Mistakes Landlords Make When Screening Tenants (And How to Avoid Them)

Tenant screening is one of the most critical steps in the leasing process. A good tenant can mean steady rental income and peace of mind, while a bad one can lead to costly evictions, property damage, or unpaid rent. Here are five common mistakes landlords make—and how to avoid them.

1. Skipping the Background Check Some landlords skip this step to speed up the process or save money. But failing to run a background check can lead to renting to someone with a criminal record, prior evictions, or other red flags. Always run a full background check to protect your investment.

2. Not Verifying Income A pay stub or verbal confirmation isn't enough. Make sure you verify the applicant’s income with official documents (like tax returns or bank statements), or better yet, use a screening service that includes income verification.

3. Relying on Gut Feelings While intuition matters, it shouldn't replace data. Just because someone seems friendly doesn’t mean they’re financially responsible or a reliable tenant. Stick to objective facts when making a decision.

4. Using Outdated or Incomplete Applications A weak rental application can leave you without key information. Use comprehensive applications that ask for employment history, landlord references, SSNs, and other critical details.

5. Not Following Fair Housing Laws Discriminating—intentionally or unintentionally—based on protected classes is illegal and can lead to lawsuits. Make sure your screening process is consistent, documented, and FCRA- and Fair Housing-compliant.

Avoid these common pitfalls, and you'll be far more likely to place responsible, long-term tenants.