How to Screen Tenants Effectively: Tenant Screening Tips for Landlords

Finding the right tenant is the cornerstone of a successful rental business. At Jacobs Steel, we combine 40 years of local expertise with industry‑leading processes to ensure your property is cherished and your rental income stays reliable. Below are our tried‑and‑tested tenant screening tips, a straightforward guide on how to screen tenants, and essential advice on conducting background checks for tenants—all designed to protect your investment and give you peace of mind.

1. Define Your Ideal Tenant Profile

Before marketing your property, be clear on who you’re looking for:

Income benchmark: Aim for applicants earning at least 2.5× the monthly rent.
Credit score threshold: Consider a minimum score (e.g., 600+) to filter for financial reliability.
Lifestyle fit: Decide on pet policies, smoking restrictions, and maximum household size.

Having these criteria front and centre makes it easier to evaluate applications consistently—and attracts tenants who suit your property and management style.

2. Use a Comprehensive Application Form

All our service includes a detailed rental application that captures:

Full personal details and contact information
Employment history, salary and length of service.
Rental history, previous landlord references, and reasons for moving
Signed consent for credit, reference, and identity checks

Standardising your application process not only speeds up decision‑making but also keeps you compliant with GDPR and right‑to‑rent regulations.

3. Verify Identity & Right to Rent

Across all our packages, we:

Check photo ID (passport or driver’s licence) to confirm applicant identity
Validate immigration status to ensure a legal right to rent in the UK

We retain secure copies of these documents to meet legal obligations and protect you against non‑compliant tenancies.

4. Run Credit & Financial Checks

Jacobs Steel partners with leading credit reference agencies to:

Uncover CCJs, outstanding debts, and past payment patterns
Confirm affordability by comparing net income against rent and outgoings

A robust credit check reduces the risk of arrears and ensures your tenants can comfortably meet their obligations.

5. Gather Landlord & Employer References

Our team will outsource to our trusted referencing company, who will:

Contact past landlords for insights on rent punctuality, property care, and tenancy conduct
Speak with employers to verify contract type, income level, and stability

These conversations often reveal critical details that paperwork alone can’t, helping you choose tenants you can trust.

6. Conduct a Tenant Interview

Whether as part of our Introduction‑Only or a Fully Management Service, we’ll cover:

Reasons for moving and intended length of stay
Household composition (occupant numbers, pets)
Expectations around maintenance, communication, and property use

This personal touch lets us assess reliability, communication style, and overall fit.

7. Make a Confident, Data‑Driven Decision

With all information in hand, our Lettings team uses our online portal to:

Score applicants against your tenant profile
Weigh nuances—for instance, strong rental history may outweigh a modest credit blip
Provide clear recommendations so you can approve the best candidate swiftly

Our in‑house marketing team and real‑time reporting ensure you see exactly how each application performs across Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket, and more.

8. Keep Meticulous Records

We securely store:

Application forms and consent statements
Copies of ID and right‑to‑rent checks
Reference call notes and credit reports

Comprehensive documentation not only supports fair decision‑making but also protects you in any future disputes or compliance reviews.

Speak to the Lettings Experts at Jacobs Steel

Effective tenant screening underpins every successful tenancy. Our three levels of service—from Introduction‑Only to Fully Managed—are designed to match your needs, whether you prefer a hands‑on approach or full property management.Ready to find your perfect tenant?
Contact Jacobs Steel Lettings today for a no‑obligation consultation, and let our area experts handle the legwork so you can enjoy worry‑free rental returns.