What To Check When Screening Potential Tenants

By Bobbye Joe McMillan

Bobbye Joe McMillan is the driving force behind Cornerstone Property Management, bringing over 30 years of expertise in real estate to help clients achieve their property goals.

As a property owner or landlord, the tenants you choose can make or break your rental business. A bad tenant can cause financial strain, headaches, and even legal issues. On the flip side, good tenants bring reliability, consistent income, and peace of mind.

In 2026, screening tenants is more important than ever. With new challenges and opportunities in the rental market, how can you ensure you’re choosing the right tenants?

Here are the five essential checks you need to make when screening potential tenants.

1. Financial stability is key. One of the most important things to assess when screening tenants is their financial stability. This is often best done through a credit report. A credit check gives you insight into their history of paying bills on time, managing debts, and their overall financial behavior.

While a high credit score is desirable, focus on patterns of financial responsibility. If there are some past blips, it’s important to discuss them with the tenant. This helps you decide if they are capable of paying rent consistently without surprises. If their income aligns with your rent (generally three times the rent), that’s a positive sign.

2. Verify employment and income. Once you’ve checked the credit report, it’s time to verify the tenant’s income and employment status. Request recent pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns (if they are self-employed). In 2026, the gig economy is still growing, and many potential tenants may not have a traditional job. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure their income is stable and sufficient to cover rent. This will help prevent future issues like late payments or non-payment.

3. Rental history and references matter. A tenant’s past rental history can tell you a lot about their behavior and reliability. Ask for at least two or three references from previous landlords. Reach out to them to ask about the tenant’s payment habits, cleanliness, and any conflicts. Were they respectful of property rules? Did they cause damage or disruptions? A positive rental history can give you confidence, while a lack of references or negative feedback might be a red flag.

4. Criminal background check. Protecting your investment and your other tenants’ safety should be a priority. A criminal background check is an essential step. It’s not just about keeping out dangerous tenants; it’s also about ensuring your community remains safe. Look for any violent crimes, drug-related offenses, or property damage in their history.

However, it’s also important to consider the nature of the offense and how long ago it occurred. A past mistake may not be an issue if the tenant has turned their life around, but it’s essential to know what you’re dealing with.

5. Lifestyle and pet policies. Finally, a tenant’s lifestyle and pet situation should align with your property rules. If you allow pets, ask about their size, breed, and behavior. You want to ensure that their pet will not cause damage to your property or disrupt neighbors. Similarly, ask about their lifestyle habits: are they quiet and respectful of others, or do they tend to host loud gatherings? A good tenant will respect the property and its surroundings.

Effective tenant screening is crucial for landlords in 2026. Following these key steps helps secure reliable, responsible tenants who pay on time and respect the property. However, ongoing success also relies on continuous property management and regular tenant communication.

Ready to simplify your property management or need help with your rental investments? A solid screening process makes all the difference for a smooth experience. Let’s talk about how to make your rental business successful in 2026. Reach out today via call, text, or email to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Remember: In property management, the reality is blunt. Your tenants can make (or break) your rental business.