As landlords and property managers, one of our biggest priorities is protecting our investment and ensuring reliable tenancy. A strong lease agreement is important, but nothing replaces the value of thorough tenant screening. The reality is that even one problematic tenant can result in costly repairs, lost rent, and lengthy eviction proceedings. That’s why spotting potential issues before they turn into problems is critical to long-term success.
At Tenant Screening Center, Inc., we’ve been helping property owners and managers across the country make confident rental decisions since 1985. Over the years, we’ve learned the patterns that often signal risk and understand how essential it is to evaluate applicants carefully.
In our latest blog article, we highlight the warning signs landlords should pay attention to during the screening process.
The Big Three Every Landlord Should Check
When it comes to tenant screening, there are three essential reports you should always start with:
1. Credit History
A credit report provides a snapshot of how an applicant manages their financial responsibilities. Consistently late payments, significant debt, or accounts in collections can all be warning signs. While a credit score alone doesn’t tell the whole story, it offers insight into the likelihood that your tenant will pay rent on time.
2. Criminal Background
Not every offense is automatically disqualifying, but it’s important to know if your applicant has convictions that could put your property, other tenants, or the neighborhood at risk. A comprehensive background check helps you make informed, responsible decisions.
3. Eviction Records
Applicants with prior evictions are statistically more likely to face eviction again. Because eviction is one of the costliest challenges landlords face—often totaling thousands of dollars—it’s essential to know if your applicant has a history of being removed from a rental property.
These basics form the foundation of tenant screening.
However, some of the most important red flags aren’t found in these reports alone.
Subtle Warning Signs That Deserve a Closer Look
Many applicants may look fine on paper but still present potential issues that can disrupt your rental business. Here are some of the less obvious red flags we’ve seen landlords overlook:
Asking to Skip the Screening Process
If a prospective tenant tries to convince you to bypass tenant screening, consider it a major red flag. They may be in a hurry to move or trying to hide negative information. While it can be tempting to fill a vacancy quickly, skipping screening often leads to far greater expenses down the road.
Offering Their Own Credit Report
Applicants who want to supply their own credit report may appear helpful, but it’s risky. The document could be outdated, altered, or fabricated. Always obtain your own reports directly through a trusted, FCRA-compliant screening provider to ensure accuracy.
Frequent Moves
A history of moving from one rental to another can indicate instability. In some cases, frequent moves may be job-related, but in others, it could signal conflicts with landlords, missed rent payments, or a pattern of breaking leases.
Job Hopping or Employment Gaps
Consistent employment is one of the best predictors of reliable rent payments. Applicants with long gaps in employment or frequent job changes may struggle with financial stability. Always verify income and employment details to confirm reliability.
Rushed Applications
When an applicant seems overly eager to sign a lease immediately, be cautious. While urgency doesn’t always signal trouble, it can indicate that the applicant was recently evicted or is hiding financial issues. Take the time to thoroughly review their background before handing over the keys.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Information
If an application is missing key details or the information doesn’t match up with what you find in screening reports, that should be a concern. Honest applicants are typically forthcoming and cooperative. Discrepancies can be a sign of misrepresentation.
Why Overlooking Red Flags Can Be Costly
It’s easy to underestimate how much damage a problematic tenant can cause. According to national estimates, the average eviction can cost landlords up to $10,000 in legal fees, lost rent, and property damage. For small landlords and independent property owners, these losses can be devastating.
By paying attention to both the obvious and subtle red flags, you dramatically reduce your risk of financial setbacks and protect the long-term health of your rental business.
How Tenant Screening Center Helps You Spot Red Flags
At Tenant Screening Center, we make it easy for landlords and property managers to identify potential risks before they turn into problems. Our services include:
- Tenant background checks with criminal and eviction history
- Credit reports and Resident Score analysis designed to predict tenant behavior more accurately than a generic credit score
- Income verification tools to confirm applicants can meet their rent obligations
- Customizable screening packages to fit the needs of landlords with one property or managers overseeing large portfolios
By using trusted data and FCRA-compliant practices, we help you avoid surprises and make confident leasing decisions.
Protect Your Investment with Proactive Screening
Every property owner wants reliable, respectful tenants who pay on time and take care of their rental home. The best way to secure those tenants is through careful, thorough screening that uncovers red flags before you sign a lease.
At Tenant Screening Center, Inc., we’re committed to helping landlords and property managers save time, reduce risk, and protect their investments. Don’t leave your rental business vulnerable to costly mistakes. Put our trusted screening solutions to work for you today.
Landlords Property Managers Contact TSCI