- 1). Create a written application that requests your tenant's previous rental history as well as his Social Security number. Ensure there is a clause on the application that informs the tenant that a credit check and background check may be performed and will be used in determining the approval of the application. Speak with an attorney if you need assistance with the proper wording for legal purposes.
- 2). Find an agency that specializes in tenant pre-screening. A pre-screening agency will take the Social Security number of the potential tenant and inform you of any eviction or money owed to a rental property. Some tenant pre-screening agencies offer more comprehensive information on the tenant. For example, you can obtain a past criminal history, a rental history and a credit score from one agency. There is a charge to pre-screening tenants, which can be as little as $1.99 to over $100. Landlords usually charge an application fee to offset the pre-screening costs. Tenant Screening Credit and E-renter are examples of pre-screening agencies.
- 3). Choose the tenant who has the best results from her pre-screening. You may find a tenant who has a higher credit score but an eviction on her credit. Make a decision based on the overall character of your tenant. For example, factor in the amount of money she makes, her credit score and whether or not she has paid rent on time in the past. Credit scores vary on what is considered good and poor, though a score below 620 is typically considered poor credit.
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