How to Screen Tenants for Your Miami Condo: A Landlord's Checklist

A consistent application review helps an owner make an informed decision. Discuss the process and required authorizations before reviewing applicants, and apply lawful criteria consistently.

1. Credit Check

Agree on written, consistent screening criteria before reviewing applications. Where a credit report is used, obtain the required authorization and review it in context; do not treat a score as a guarantee of payment.

2. Income Verification

Review documented ability to meet the lease obligations using consistent, lawful criteria. The appropriate supporting documents depend on the applicant’s circumstances. Keep sensitive records out of this website’s inquiry form.

3. Employment Verification

Where employment verification is appropriate, obtain the applicant’s authorization and confirm the relevant information through a reliable source. Consider other documented income under the same lawful criteria.

4. Rental History

Where rental references are available, verify them through reliable contacts and ask consistent questions about payment and property condition. Review the complete application rather than relying on a single reference.

5. Background Check

If background reports are used, obtain professional guidance on permissible checks, fair housing obligations and any required notices. Do not apply blanket assumptions or inconsistent criteria.

6. HOA Application

Obtain the current association application and coordinate the required documents and timetable. The association makes its own decisions and may request further information.

Information to Clarify

• Missing information needed under the agreed screening criteria
• A proposed start date that leaves insufficient time for required approvals
• Differences between application details and supporting records
• Unexplained gaps in rental history, considered in the context of the full application
• A payment proposal that needs clarification and appropriate documentation

Discuss the agreed screening process with Raphael. The goal is an informed, documented decision; no agent can guarantee a tenant’s future behavior or payments.