Tenant Screening Checklist: 10 Steps Before Signing a Lease

A bad tenant costs $5,000-15,000 in damages, lost rent, and legal fees. Good screening costs $30-50. The math is obvious, yet many landlords skip steps to fill vacancies faster. Don't.

The Formula

The 10-step checklist every landlord should follow before signing a lease.

Real-World Example

1. Written application with full name, SSN/SIN, employment, income, references. 2. Photo ID verification. 3. Credit check. 4. Criminal background check. 5. Employment verification (call employer directly). 6. Income verification (pay stubs, 3x rent minimum). 7. Previous landlord references (call the one BEFORE current). 8. Social media review. 9. In-person meeting at the property. 10. Trust your gut - if something feels off, keep looking.

The Bottom Line

Store all screening documents securely. Mozongi REMA lets you upload tenant documents (ID, insurance, employment letters) directly to each lease record. Everything in one place, accessible when you need it.