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Free Tenant Screening Checklist

Systematically verify tenant applicants with our interactive checklist. Track income, employment, rental history, and more.

Applicant Information

Income Ratio

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Enter the applicant's details to begin the screening process

Why Use a Screening Checklist?

Income Verification

The standard requirement is income at least 3x monthly rent. This ensures tenants can comfortably afford rent while covering other living expenses. Request pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements as proof.

Rental History

Contact previous landlords to verify payment history, property care, and reason for leaving. Look for patterns of late payments, property damage, or lease violations. No eviction history is critical.

Background Check

Credit checks reveal payment history and outstanding debts. Criminal background checks help assess risk. Always follow fair housing laws and apply criteria consistently to all applicants.

Reference Check

Personal and professional references provide insight into character and reliability. Ask about their relationship length, the applicant's trustworthiness, and whether they'd recommend them as a tenant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 3x rent rule?

The 3x rent rule means a tenant's gross monthly income should be at least 3 times the monthly rent. This helps ensure they can comfortably afford the rent payment.

What are critical items?

Critical items are verification steps that significantly impact the risk assessment. Missing these items increases the overall risk level of an applicant.

How is the risk level calculated?

Risk level is determined by completion percentage, income ratio, and missing critical items. High risk is assigned when less than 60% is complete, income is below 2.5x rent, or 2+ critical items are missing.

Can I save my screening progress?

This free tool doesn't save progress. For saved screenings and AI-powered analysis, sign up for UnitHub.

Is this checklist legally compliant?

This checklist follows common screening best practices. Always check local and federal fair housing laws to ensure your screening process is compliant.

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