# Tenant Screening Checklist > Creates tenant screening checklists with verification steps, reference check questions, and evaluation criteria. - Skill: `reaperinvest/tenant-screening-checklist` (Agent Skill) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add reaperinvest/tenant-screening-checklist` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/reaperinvest/tenant-screening-checklist/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Coding & Dev Tools - Author: reaperinvest (https://skillmd.com/u/reaperinvest) - Updated: 2026-09-22 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/reaperinvest/tenant-screening-checklist --- # Tenant Screening Checklist ## When to Use This Skill Use this skill when you need to: - Build a consistent tenant screening process for rental properties - Create verification checklists for income, credit, and rental history - Write reference check questions for landlords and employers - Design evaluation criteria that select reliable tenants fairly **DO NOT** use this skill for commercial tenant evaluation, roommate screening, or tenant eviction processes. This is for residential landlord screening of prospective tenants. --- ## Core Principle CONSISTENT SCREENING APPLIED EQUALLY TO EVERY APPLICANT PROTECTS YOU LEGALLY AND SELECTS BETTER TENANTS — NEVER SKIP STEPS OR APPLY DIFFERENT STANDARDS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE. --- ## Phase 1: Screening Standards ### Required Inputs | Input | What to Ask | Default | |-------|------------|---------| | **Property type** | "What type of rental — single family, multi-family, condo?" | Single-family rental | | **Monthly rent** | "What is the monthly rent?" | No default — must be provided | | **Minimum credit score** | "What credit score do you require?" | 620 | | **Income requirement** | "Income-to-rent ratio?" | 3x monthly rent | | **Pet policy** | "Do you allow pets? Restrictions?" | Case by case | | **State/jurisdiction** | "What state is the property in?" | No default — affects legal requirements | **GATE: Confirm screening standards and local legal requirements before building the checklist.** --- ## Phase 2: Application Checklist ### Required Documents ``` ## Tenant Application Checklist ### Identity Verification - [ ] Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport) - [ ] Social Security Number (for credit/background check) - [ ] Signed application form with authorization for screening ### Income Verification - [ ] Last 3 pay stubs (or 2 months of bank statements for self-employed) - [ ] Employment verification letter or offer letter - [ ] Tax returns (if self-employed — last 2 years) - [ ] Income meets minimum [3x] monthly rent: $[amount]/month required ### Rental History - [ ] Contact information for last 2-3 landlords - [ ] Rental addresses and dates for the last 3-5 years - [ ] Explanation for any gaps in rental history ### Credit & Background - [ ] Credit report pulled (score: minimum [620]) - [ ] Background check completed - [ ] Eviction history search completed - [ ] Sex offender registry check (where legally required/permitted) ``` --- ## Phase 3: Verification Procedures ### Landlord Reference Questions Call previous landlords and ask: ``` ## Landlord Reference Check **Tenant name:** _______________ **Property address:** _______________ **Landlord name:** _______________ **Date of call:** _______________ 1. Can you confirm [tenant name] rented from you at [address]? 2. What were the lease dates? (From ___ to ___) 3. What was the monthly rent? $___ 4. Was rent paid on time consistently? (Yes / Usually / No) 5. Were there any lease violations or complaints? (Yes / No — details) 6. Was the security deposit returned in full? (Yes / Partial / No — reason) 7. Did they provide proper move-out notice? (Yes / No) 8. Would you rent to them again? (Yes / No — reason) 9. How many occupants lived in the unit? 10. Any property damage beyond normal wear and tear? ``` ### Employer Verification ``` ## Employment Verification **Applicant name:** _______________ **Employer:** _______________ **Contact:** _______________ 1. Can you confirm [name] is currently employed with your company? 2. What is their position/title? 3. How long have they been employed? 4. Is their position full-time or part-time? 5. Can you verify their stated income of $___/month? (Yes / No / Unable to disclose) ``` ### Credit Report Evaluation | Factor | Green Flag | Yellow Flag | Red Flag | |--------|-----------|-------------|----------| | Credit score | 700+ | 620-699 | Below 620 | | Payment history | No late payments | 1-2 late (30-day) | Collections or charge-offs | | Debt-to-income | Under 35% | 35-45% | Over 45% | | Eviction history | None | None but short tenancies | Prior eviction | | Bankruptcies | None | Discharged 5+ years ago | Recent or active | --- ## Phase 4: Decision Framework ### Scoring Matrix ``` ## Applicant Evaluation — [Name] | Criteria | Weight | Score (1-5) | Weighted Score | |----------|--------|------------|----------------| | Income qualification | 25% | [X] | [X] | | Credit score/history | 25% | [X] | [X] | | Rental references | 25% | [X] | [X] | | Employment stability | 15% | [X] | [X] | | Application completeness | 10% | [X] | [X] | | **Total** | 100% | | **[X/5.0]** | **Decision:** Accept / Conditional Accept / Deny **Conditions (if applicable):** [Additional deposit, co-signer, etc.] ``` ### Denial Process If denying an application: - Provide an adverse action notice as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act - State the reason for denial in objective, non-discriminatory terms - Include the credit bureau contact information if credit was a factor - Return application fees if required by local law - Document the denial reason for your records ### Fair Housing Compliance Apply every screening criterion identically to every applicant: - Same credit score minimum for all - Same income ratio for all - Same reference check process for all - Document everything — your consistency is your legal protection - Never make exceptions based on protected class characteristics --- ## Anti-Patterns - **Skipping reference checks** — a clean credit report does not tell you how the tenant treated the last property. Call previous landlords. - **Inconsistent standards** — applying different criteria to different applicants creates fair housing liability. - **Only checking the most recent landlord** — the current landlord may give a good reference just to move a problem tenant out. Check 2-3 landlords back. - **No written criteria** — undocumented standards cannot be defended. Write your criteria down before screening anyone. - **Rushing to fill a vacancy** — a bad tenant costs more than a vacant month. Screen thoroughly every time. --- ## Recovery - **Applicant has no rental history:** Accept other references (employer, professional, personal). Consider a higher deposit or co-signer. - **Cannot reach previous landlords:** Ask the applicant for alternative contacts. Check property records to verify ownership. Document your attempts. - **Borderline credit score:** Consider the full picture — stable income, strong references, and a reasonable explanation may offset a lower score. - **Applicant claims discrimination:** Review your records showing consistent criteria applied to all applicants. Consult an attorney if a formal complaint is filed. - **Local laws restrict screening criteria:** Research your jurisdiction's specific limitations (some cities restrict credit checks or criminal history screening).