How to Screen Tenants and Avoid Headaches as an Atlanta Investor

How to Screen Tenants and Avoid Headaches as an Atlanta Investor

Investing in rental property in the Atlanta‑area? One of the smartest things you can do is build a strong tenant‑screening process. Picking the right tenant helps protect your property, your cash flow, and your sanity. Here’s how to do it right.

1. Set Clear Screening Criteria Up Front

Before you list your property, decide on your standards and stick to them. Good screening criteria might include:

• Income that’s at least 3× the monthly rent. allpropertymanagement.com+2Avail, part of the Realtor.com network+2

• Good rental history: on‑time payments, no recent evictions. 

• No major red flags in credit, criminal or eviction background. sagareus.com+1

• A consistent application process for all applicants so you stay fair & compliant. 

2. Pre‑Screen Efficiently & Meet Applicants

• Ask key questions before you invest time showing properties: reason for moving, income verification, number of occupants. MRI Software

• Meet or talk with the applicant in person (or via video) — you’ll get cues you won’t see on paper.

• Use an application that collects name, contact info, SSN (or equivalent), employment details, rental history and references. mysmartmove.com

3. Perform Thorough Checks

• Run a credit check, criminal background check, and eviction history. These help you assess risk. 

• Verify income and employment. Confirm via pay stubs, employer contact or bank statements. allpropertymanagement.com

• Call former landlords — ask about timeliness of rent, property care, noise complaints.

• Document everything: keep records of applications, decisions, and communications so you can defend your process if challenged. Urban Institute

4. Stay Legally Compliant

• Make sure your screening policy doesn’t discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status or disability. RentPrep+1

• Use the same criteria for every applicant. One standard across the board is key. sagareus.com

• If you deny an applicant based on a screening report, you may need to provide an “adverse action” notice under the FCRA. Command Credit+1

5. Make Your Decision — and Stick With It

After you’ve done your checks and interviews:

• Compare applicants against your criteria — not against each other.

• Choose the applicant who best meets your standards, and move to lease signing quickly.

• If someone doesn’t qualify, document the reason and keep it consistent for future applications.