Screening Tenants: Protecting Your Property and Peace of Mind

Tenant screening is one of the most important steps in protecting your rental property and ensuring a smooth landlord-tenant relationship. A good tenant pays rent on time, follows the rules, and treats your property with respect. A bad tenant can cost you time, money, and stress. That’s why screening matters—especially in Washington, where landlord-tenant laws can make it difficult to recover once a lease has gone sideways.

Start with clear, written rental criteria. Outline what you’re looking for in terms of:

• income
• credit history
• rental references
• background

This isn’t just for your own clarity—it helps protect you legally, too. Washington law prohibits discrimination based on a long list of protected classes. Applying your screening standards consistently to all applicants is key.

When you collect applications, make sure you’re using a form that complies with Washington law. You’ll need permission to run background and credit checks. Services like RentPrep or SmartMove can provide fast reports, but be sure you understand what you’re looking at. A tenant with a 600 credit score might still be a great fit if they have steady income and solid landlord references.

Always call previous landlords. Ask if they would rent to the tenant again, whether rent was paid on time, and if the property was well cared for. Don’t rely solely on what’s on paper. A short phone call can save you a major headache later.

Finally, trust your process, not your gut. Personal bias can lead to inconsistent decisions and put you at risk of discrimination claims. If someone meets your written criteria, they’re qualified. If they don’t, move on.