Screening decides who lives in the property for the next year or more. Owners who decide case by case risk both bad tenants and unfair treatment. A short written policy solves both.
Common criteria
- Income, often about three times the monthly rent, with proof.
- Rental history and references from past landlords.
- Credit and any eviction history, with consent.
- A complete, signed application and identification.
Fair housing
Federal and Florida fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disability, and some local laws add more protections. Apply the same criteria to every applicant, and keep records of each decision and the reason.
Explain a denial
When a decision is based on a credit or background report, federal law requires an adverse action notice. Use a standard notice.
Our rent-to-income check runs the income test and the checklist.
General information, not legal advice. Talk to an attorney about your screening policy.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.
