How to Screen Potential Tenants: A Step-by-Step Guide for Landlords

Why Tenant Screening is Important

Before delving into a step-by-step process on how to screen potential tenants, it is important to understand why this is a crucial process. 

As a landlord, you are responsible for providing a safe, clean and habitable living space to your tenants. However, tenants also bear equal responsibilities like paying rent on time, not damaging the property, and more. While most tenants adhere to such rules, there may be people who do not - which may result in trouble for the landlord. 

You want tenants who live comfortably in your property and do not cause problems - be it by disturbing neighbours, not keeping the property tidy or not paying rent on time. This is why, tenant background checks can be an important process. 

Methods for Conducting Tenant Background Checks

Let us now delve into how you could screen potential tenants. Over the years, several tried-and-tested methods have been considered the best background checks for landlords. 

Some of these methods are:

• Meeting In-Person: One of the best background screening methods for landlords is to meet the tenants in person. While this may not always help you know how they are truly as a person, in-person meetings will help you understand whether both parties have similar attitudes and values, and whether you can connect and communicate easily. This can be very helpful if there are any future issues. 

• Pets: One crucial factor that should always be factored into the tenant screening is whether or not they have pets. Many tenants have pets and depending on the building rules or the landlord’s preferences - pets may not be allowed. If you have an aversion to pets, clarify this with potential tenants early to avoid wasting time.

• References: If a tenant has been in the UAE for a while, you could ask them to provide a reference from a previous tenancy. This could be as simple as asking for the contact details of their previous landlord, and reaching out to them to find out how their experience was with the tenant.

• Social Media: When asked, “How to screen potential tenants?” one option people consider is to look up the applicant on social media. While some people may have no social media presence or private profiles, platforms like LinkedIn can help verify someone's professional background.

• Employment History: Steady employment and payslips indicate the tenant’s ability to pay rent on time and be generally responsible. 

• Credit Score: A tenant credit check is a great way to determine whether your potential tenant is financially responsible. However, you must get their permission to access their UAE credit score. A tenant credit check will help you determine whether they are likely to pay rent on time and have the finances to do so.

Essential Steps for Landlords to Screen Potential Tenants

So, how to do a background check on tenants? Here are some steps you can follow for a smooth, hassle-free process. 

Step 1 - Reviewing the Rental Application

When determining the terms and conditions of the rental contract, observe what the tenants request or even demand. This could give you a clear indication of their values and what behaviours might be expected throughout the tenancy.

For example, some questions that could be a warning sign include:

• What happens if my rent cheque bounces?

• Can we skip the rental agreement?

• Can we include a break cause that allows me to move out whenever I want?

• Is it okay if I have a lot of visitors?

• Can I sublet the apartment to my friend?

• What happens if I miss a rent payment?

Step 2 - Conducting Background and Credit Checks

Whilst not essential, tenant background checks and credit checks could help you understand whether the people you communicate with are likely responsible tenants. You will need an official to do both these checks. 

Step 3 - Contacting Previous Landlords & References

Many landlords contact the previous landlords of potential tenants and other references. These can be excellent sources of information regarding potential tenants as they have had direct experience and contact with the people - and are likely to provide you with the most accurate information. 

Step 4 - Interviewing the Tenant

A face-to-face interview can also be important, helping both the landlord and tenant to see if they are compatible and share similar values.

This can help you both to determine whether the tenancy is likely to be a good fit and having a more personal connection to the tenant can also be valuable in the event of future rental disputes.

Step 5 - Making the Final Decision

Once all the checks have been conducted and you are confident that the potential tenants are good choices for your property, you can go through the rental contract together one final time and ensure that both parties agree to all the terms and conditions stipulated in the contract. 

Step 6 - Signing the Lease & Setting Expectations

The final step to “How to screen potential tenants?” is to sign the rental agreement and begin your landlord-tenant relationship for the contract’s duration. 

Conclusion

Screening potential tenants is a crucial step in protecting your rental property and ensuring a smooth landlord-tenant relationship. By following a structured process—reviewing rental applications, conducting background and tenant credit checks, contacting previous landlords, and meeting potential tenants in person—you can significantly reduce the risks of late payments, property damage, or tenancy disputes. While no method is foolproof, evaluating each applicant carefully will help you find responsible tenants who respect your property and adhere to lease terms.

If you’re wondering how to screen potential tenants but don’t have the time or resources to do it yourself, Engel & Völkers Dubai can handle the entire process for you. Our expert team ensures that only qualified, reliable tenants are placed in your property by conducting the necessary checks and handling all leasing formalities. With Engel & Völkers, you can enjoy a hassle-free rental experience while maximizing your property’s value and security. Contact us today to find the perfect tenant for your property.