There are a lot of important factors that real estate investors or property managers should consider when conducting the screening of potential tenants. While it is critical to remain compliant with The Fair Housing Act, screening should include eviction history, criminal history, income verification, employment history, rental history, and credit check. Red flags, like evictions in the last seven years and violent felonies, should serve as an automatic disqualifier, while yellow flags, like felony DUIs, misdemeanors, or a late payment on their last rental, should be tallied up for consideration. Those conducting the screening should never use the following seven categories to make a decision: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability.
