Effective tenant screening is essential for ensuring that landlords secure reliable tenants who will pay rent on time, take care of the property, and maintain a positive relationship with neighbors. At RentEasily, we have a comprehensive tenant screening process designed to minimize risks and maximize the likelihood of a successful tenancy. Here’s a detailed look at our tenant screening procedure:

Step 1: Pre-Screening Applicants

Before diving into the formal screening process, we conduct a pre-screening to gather basic details about the prospective tenant. This step helps us determine if they meet the fundamental requirements and saves time by filtering out unsuitable candidates early on.

Pre-Screening Methods:

• Initial Contact: We reach out to interested applicants via phone, email, or text messaging to discuss their rental needs and preferences.
• Basic Questions: During this conversation, we ask questions such as:
  • When do you plan to move in?
  • Why are you moving?
  • Can you provide previous landlord and employment references?
  • Do I have your permission to conduct a credit check?
  • Are you comfortable providing a security deposit of $X?
  • Do you plan on living with roommates?

This initial step helps us identify candidates who align with our basic criteria and proceed with those who have potential.

Step 2: Conducting a Thorough Background and Criminal Record Check

A thorough background check is crucial to avoid tenants who might default on rent, engage in reckless behavior, or cause property damage.

Background and Criminal Record Check Includes:

• Online Research: We access information from social media sites and public databases, including court documents.
• Police Records Check: With the tenant’s written consent, we obtain a police records check, especially if there are concerns about the safety of other residents in shared spaces.

Step 3: Running a Detailed Credit Check

A detailed credit check provides insight into the tenant’s financial stability and likelihood of timely rent payments.

Credit Check Includes:

• Credit Score Analysis: In Canada, credit scores range from 300 to 900. A higher score indicates better financial health.
• Credit History Review: Examining the applicant’s credit history, including payment habits, types of debt, monthly debt payments, and any bankruptcies.

We obtain the credit report personally from a trusted third party to ensure accuracy and avoid the risk of altered or forged reports.

Step 4: Verifying Income and Employment

Verifying the tenant’s income and employment status ensures they can afford the rent and maintain consistent payments.

Income and Employment Verification Includes:

• Recent Pay Stub: We request a recent pay stub and, if needed, several months of bank statements.
• Employer Contact: We confirm employment details through online searches and direct contact with the employer.

Step 5: Reviewing Rental History

We review the tenant’s rental history provides insights into their past behavior and reliability as a tenant.

Rental History Review Includes:

• Previous Rental Addresses: Investigating past addresses to identify patterns of frequent moves or prolonged stays.
• Verification with Previous Landlords: Ensuring that the rental periods match the application and confirming the identity of previous landlords.

Step 6: Confirming References

We contact each reference.

Reference Verification Includes:

• Employment References: We speak to someone who can verify employment and provide details about the tenant’s behavior and reliability.
• Landlord References: We contact previous landlords to learn about the tenant’s dependability, trustworthiness, and respectfulness.

Step 7: Interviewing the Tenant

We interview the prospective tenant to address any lingering questions and assess their suitability.

Interview Includes:

Conclusion

Screening tenants is the most vital part of being a landlord. RentEasily’s comprehensive tenant screening process ensures landlords secure reliable tenants, leading to steady rent payments, well-maintained properties, and positive landlord-tenant relationships. Following our detailed steps and debunking common myths can help landlords navigate the tenant screening process effectively and confidently.