New Tenant Screening Checklist

Ensure your next tenant is a great fit! Download our free New Tenant Screening Checklist - a comprehensive guide for real estate professionals to minimize risk & maximize profitability. Background checks, credit scores, rental history & more - cover all bases!

This Template was installed 4 times.

Application Submission & Completeness

1 of 10

Ensures a complete application is received and accurately reflects the applicant's information. Includes verifying all fields are filled and signatures are present.

Application Submission Date

Application Method

Number of Applicants Listed

All Adults Listed?

Notes on Application Completeness

Signature Obtained?

Application Document (if applicable)

Identity Verification

2 of 10

Confirms the applicant's identity and validates the information provided on the application.

Full Legal Name

Date of Birth (Year)

Date of Birth (Month)

Date of Birth (Day)

Social Security Number (Last 4 Digits)

Copy of Government-Issued Photo ID (Driver's License, Passport)

Current Address

Date of ID Expiration (If Applicable)

Credit History Review

3 of 10

Analyzes credit reports to assess financial responsibility and payment history.

Credit Score

Number of Open Credit Accounts

Total Outstanding Debt

Credit Report Type (e.g., Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)

Significant Credit Report Findings (e.g., collections, bankruptcies)

Overall Credit Risk Assessment (Based on report)

Copy of Credit Report (securely)

Income Verification

4 of 10

Confirms the applicant's stated income and employment status. Includes reviewing pay stubs, bank statements, or employment verification letters.

Gross Monthly Income

Employment Status

Pay Stub(s) (Most Recent 2)

Bank Statements (Most Recent 1-2 Months)

Explanation of Income (If Applicable)

Employer Verification Method

Amount of Child Support Received (if applicable)

Criminal Background Check

5 of 10

Conducts a background check to identify any criminal history that may impact tenancy.

Summary of Criminal Background Check Results

Attach Background Check Report (from authorized vendor)

Types of Offenses Disclosed (Select all that apply)

Details of 'Other' Offenses (if selected above)

Number of Offenses Disclosed

Disposition of Offenses (e.g., Convicted, Dismissed, Deferred)

Details of 'Other' Disposition (if selected above)

Review of State/Local Laws - Is Criminal History Disqualifying?

Eviction History Review

6 of 10

Examines past eviction records to determine rental history and potential risk.

Previous Landlord Contacted (Name & Phone Number)

Summary of Landlord Conversation (including verification of eviction history)

Did the previous landlord confirm any eviction filings?

If Yes, provide details of the eviction filing(s) (court, dates, reason)

Was the eviction resolved/dismissed?

Notes/Additional Information Regarding Eviction History

Rental History Verification

7 of 10

Contacts previous landlords to verify rental history, including payment behavior, property care, and adherence to lease terms.

Previous Landlord Name

Previous Property Address

Move-in Date at Previous Residence

Move-out Date at Previous Residence

Monthly Rent Paid (at previous residence)

Landlord Satisfaction (Overall)

Landlord Comments (e.g., payment history, property care)

Were there any lease violations?

Vehicle & Pet Information (if applicable)

8 of 10

Documents vehicle information and verifies pet ownership, ensuring compliance with property rules and regulations.

Does the applicant own any vehicles?

Number of vehicles owned:

Vehicle Make, Model, and License Plate Number (for each vehicle):

Does the applicant own any pets?

Number of pets:

Pet Type(s) (e.g., dog, cat, bird):

Pet Breed(s) (if known):

Pet Photos (for verification purposes):

Pet Deposit/Fee Paid?

Lease Agreement Understanding

9 of 10

Ensures the applicant understands the terms and conditions of the lease agreement before signing.

Summary of Key Lease Terms Explained?

Understanding of Rent Payment Procedures?

Awareness of Late Fee Policy?

Understanding of Security Deposit Terms?

Any Questions or Concerns about the Lease?

Applicant Signature Acknowledging Understanding

Documentation & Record Keeping

10 of 10

Maintains accurate records of all screening processes and related documentation for compliance and future reference.

Application Received Date

Scanned Application Form

Notes on Screening Process & Justification (if applicable)

Application Status

Application Fee Received (if applicable)

Denial Notification Sent Date (if applicable)

Reason for Denial (if applicable)

Copies of Supporting Documents (Paystubs, Bank Statements)

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