Screening Process Checklist

So far our latest new tenant is working out to be a great fit.  Sigh of relief, that is not always the case.

Here are the steps we go through to screen a tenant:

Ensure adults have signed the application to authorize landlords to validate the information and run credit and background checks.

Verify that applicant is 18 or over; the applicant must be over 18 years of age to enter into a valid and binding contract in the state of Washington.

Verify the driver’s license number if your state has logic that can be decoded.

Verify that pets and number of people fits standards for the unit.  Make arrangements to meet and approve the pets.

Verify that income is high enough to support the rent.

Verify whether self-declared criminal record clashes with standards.

Make phone calls and send letters to verify rental history and employment.

If information is checking out, order the credit report for each adult.

Check with applicant whether they are still interested and whether they will have move in money

Get criminal check completed for all adult applicants.

Offer the unit and set up a time to sign the rental agreement. Get holding deposit if needed, make plans for walk thru and move in money for keys.

Notify other applicants in the process that the unit has been rented.

Retain all application scoring sheets and applications according to the retention laws of your state, with notes/reasoning attached/included.

Take photo of driver’s licenses or ID cards for all adults, and photos of any approved pets.

During walk through, complete property condition checklist together to get agreement on condition. Sign and date each page.