Finding the right tenant is one of the most critical decisions a landlord or property management company can make. In the bustling rental industry of Eau Claire, WI, selecting reliable and responsible tenants can protect your investment, reduce turnover, and ensure consistent rent payments.
But with so many prospective renters vying for homes, how can property owners confidently make the right call? The answer lies in a strong, compliant, and well-documented tenant screening process.
A solid tenant screening checklist—based on local laws, tenant screening laws, and the Fair Housing Act—helps property managers and many landlords screen tenants effectively without risking legal issues.
Key Tenant Screening Criteria for Eau Claire Landlords
To ensure your rental property is filled with responsible tenants, here are the most effective and lawful tenant screening criteria to follow:
Income Verification and Financial Stability
To verify a tenant's income and assess financial stability, request recent pay stubs, bank statements, or tax documents showing a monthly income of at least 2.5 to 3 times the rent.
Applying the same criteria to all applicants ensures a fair and consistent process while maintaining compliance with fair housing laws. This income verification step helps landlords confirm that tenants can reliably pay rent without discrimination.
Credit Report and Credit Score
A credit check is essential in the tenant screening process. It reveals a tenant's financial history and reliability. Review the tenant screening report for details—not just the score—to assess spending habits and debt.
Ensure applicants meet your rental criteria, including any minimum credit score, while following Wisconsin’s tenant-based screening laws.
Criminal Background Checks
When reviewing a criminal record, consider the severity, recency, and relevance of any felony and misdemeanor convictions as part of a fair tenant selection process. Avoid blanket policies and ensure any checks are applied consistently and lawfully.
Rental History and Eviction History
To assess an applicant's rental history, contact previous landlords to ask about rent payments, lease compliance, and interactions with other tenants. A strong record from previous landlords can indicate a reliable tenant.
Credit and Background Check Consent
Always inform the prospective tenant if a credit and background check will be conducted, as required by Wisconsin law, and include this disclosure in the rental application process.
Employment and Personal References
Verify the employment history and ask for personal references to learn more about the applicant’s character and reliability.
Lifestyle Considerations
Clearly state any policies in the rental listing, such as whether pets are allowed or if a tenant smoking policy is enforced. These rules should be disclosed upfront to all potential tenants and documented in the lease agreement to ensure transparency and avoid misunderstandings.
Final Thoughts
The tenant screening process isn’t just about finding someone who can pay rent—it’s about finding reliable tenants who will treat your property with respect and honor the rental agreement.
By using a structured, legal, and consistent approach based on Wisconsin’s tenant screening laws, you can protect your investment and attract responsible tenants.
Ready to simplify your tenant screening? Contact General Property Management today for expert tenant screening services and comprehensive property management support in Eau Claire. Let us help you screen tenants and secure the perfect fit for your property!
Additional Resources
3 Secrets to Hassle-Free Lease Renewals in Eau Claire, WI
Tips for Rental Property Accounting Records in Eau Claire, WI
