Free Tenant Screening Checklist
Screening every applicant the same way, in the same order, helps you stay organized and treat everyone fairly. This one-page checklist walks you through each step and gives you a place to record your decision.
Read the guide: Tenant Screening Checklist for Landlords
Get Your Free Tenant Screening Checklist
Enter your email and we'll send you our 1-page printable screening checklist right away. You'll also get our free newsletter, The Need-to-Know Landlord, with new printables and simple tips for landlords. Unsubscribe anytime.
We never sell or share your email address with anyone, sponsors included.
Your free Tenant Screening Checklist
Welcome back! You're already signed up, so it's ready to download.
Download Your Tenant Screening Checklist (PDF)Already signed up? Check your welcome email for all 10 printables.
Who It's For
Landlords filling a vacancy who want a consistent, written screening process.
How to Use It
- Before you advertise, write down your rental criteria (such as income, rental history and credit) and plan to apply them to every applicant.
- Print one checklist per applicant (or per household).
- Work through each step: application received, ID checked, income verified, written consent for credit/background checks, reports obtained, references contacted.
- Compare the results to your written criteria, then record your decision, the date, and how you told the applicant.
- Store applications and reports securely, and dispose of them securely when no longer needed.
What's Included (1 page)
- Applicant and property details
- Fair housing reminder
- Step checklist in four parts: Before You Advertise, When an Application Arrives, Verification, Decision (with Done, Date and Notes columns)
- Decision record: approved, approved with conditions, or not approved, plus reason
Good to Know (Fair Housing)
Treat every applicant the same way, using the same written criteria. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disability, and many states and cities protect additional groups and have their own screening rules (for example, limits on application fees, criminal history questions, or questions about source of income). If you deny an applicant, or approve them on different terms, based on a credit or background report, federal law requires you to send an adverse action notice. Check federal, state and local rules before you screen. This checklist is not legal advice.
Send My Free Screening Checklist
Related Printables
This printable is a general record-keeping tool, not legal or tax advice. Laws vary by state and city.