Professional Tenant Screening: The First Line of Defense

Our screening process identifies problems before move-in:

• **Eviction history** - even old evictions matter • **Multiple job changes** - 3+ jobs in 2 years = instability • **Income too low** - less than 3× monthly rent • **Missing references** - previous landlords won't vouch • **Inconsistent employment dates** - gaps or lies on application • **Recent bankruptcy** - financial distress • **Criminal record** - depending on province/context

One red flag doesn't automatically disqualify. But multiple flags together = high risk.

**Step 1: Application Review** - Verify all information is complete - Cross-check dates (employment, addresses) - Look for gaps or inconsistencies

**Step 2: Credit Check** - Equifax/TransUnion report - Look for: late payments, collections, high debt-to-income - Recent score matters more than old history

**Step 3: Employment Verification** - Call employer directly - Confirm: job title, start date, income, employment status - Verify salary matches application

**Step 4: Reference Calls** - Contact previous landlords - Ask: rent payment, complaints, reason for leaving, would you rent again? - At least 2 references required

**Step 5: Rental History** - Get detailed history of last 3 rentals - Look for pattern of complaints or evictions - Consistent? Or problems everywhere?

**Step 6: Background Check** - Criminal record (where applicable) - Relevant context (felony vs. old misdemeanor)