Rental history is one of the first things to look at in a tenant screening. Here’s my tip for all of the property managers out there: Go beyond surface-level checks. Taking the time to thoroughly review a prospective tenant’s rental history sets you up for success and protects your investment. A careful and in-depth tenant screening process will help you make more informed decisions and build a more stable tenant base.
Why Rental History Matters
A tenant’s rental history provides a snapshot of their reliability and behavior as renters. However, I’ve found that the information from their most recent landlord can sometimes be misleading.
Imagine that another landlord or property management company is eager to get rid of a problematic tenant. They might say something like:
“They were a fabulous tenant—always paid on time and got along with the neighbors.”
Sounds great, doesn’t it? But if the landlord’s goal is to offload a troublesome tenant, you might end up dealing with late payments, disputes, or property damage—unless you go deeper.
Tip: Go Back at Least Two Years
To get a more accurate picture of a prospective tenant’s history, don’t stop at the most recent rental reference. Trace their rental history back at least two years for their tenant screening. This extended timeline can reveal behavior patterns and highlight red flags that might not be immediately visible from their latest lease.
Want the real story? Talk to those who don’t have anything to win or lose—the landlords and property managers who have experience with the tenant but aren’t currently renting to them.
Go Deep on Rental History
By going beyond surface-level checks and examining rental history using these steps, you’ll be better equipped to find reliable tenants for your rental properties. Always remember: a little extra effort during the screening process can save you from significant challenges down the road.
Protect your investment and create positive rental experiences by staying diligent and going back at least two years.
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