In Raleigh, NC, about 49% of the population rents in 2025. That’s a lot of potential tenants. But not all of them are reliable.
Some pay rent on time, treat your property with respect, and follow the lease agreement. Others… not so much. That’s why tenant screening is more than just a formality. It’s your first line of defense in protecting your rental property and your peace of mind.
As Raleigh’s rental industry continues to grow, choosing the right tenant is more important than ever. At RTP Properties NC Inc., we specialize in helping local landlords identify qualified, reliable tenants who not only meet your tenant screening criteria but also contribute to a profitable rental business.
If you’re wondering what do they check for tenant screening and why it’s important to include them in your tenant screening checklist, read this blog to find out!
Key Takeaways
- In 2025, renters with credit scores of 650 or higher are shown to be significantly more likely to make consistent rent payments, avoid defaults, and follow lease terms responsibly.
- Since evictions can cost landlords $3,500 on average, checking eviction history is essential to avoid major financial and legal headaches.
- Confirming that a tenant earns at least three times the monthly rent through income verification greatly increases the chances of on-time payments and long-term lease stability.
1. Rental History
The applicant's rental history of an applicant tells a story. It reflects how they’ve treated other rental properties in the past and whether they’re likely to be a respectful and reliable tenant.
Property managers look at:
- Whether they paid rent on time
- Any history of lease violations or complaints
- Tenant's past landlord's relationship
We usually contact previous landlords, both current and past. A short conversation can tell us more than a credit report ever could.
2. Credit Reports and Credit History
A credit report shows how someone handles their money. It’s not just about the credit score. It’s the story behind it.
We review:
- Payment history and debts
- Any accounts in collections
- Length of credit history
- Recent credit inquiries
Most property managers set a minimum credit score. A report from 2025 shows that potential renters with scores of 650 or higher are far more likely to pay rent on time and consistently. That’s your bottom line.
3. Income Verification
Income verification is one of the most critical parts of the tenant screening process. After all, if someone can’t afford the rent, it won’t be long before the problems start.
We ask for:
- Recent pay stubs
- Bank statements
- Proof of income
As a rule of thumb, monthly income should be at least three times the rent. That helps prevent late payments and makes your lease agreement more stable.
4. Employment History
A solid employment history suggests that a tenant is not only employed but also stable in their job, which is a good sign for long-term tenancy.
We check:
- Current job and how long they’ve had it
- Whether the job is full-time, part-time, or temporary
- Contact info for verification
Verifying this information gives landlords peace of mind that the tenant has a steady income stream and is less likely to default on rent.
5. Criminal Background Checks
Running criminal background checks helps property managers ensure the safety of the rental community and protect the landlord from liability. That said, not all criminal offenses are treated the same.
We look at:
- Severity of the offense
- How long ago did it happen
- Whether it was a one-off or part of a pattern
Criminal background checks have to follow fair housing laws and local laws in Raleigh. We apply the same criteria to everyone.
6. Eviction History
A history of eviction is a major red flag. It often signals financial instability in their rental history or conflict with previous landlords.
We pull eviction records and ask:
- Was it recent?
- Was it for nonpayment or something else?
- Did the tenant owe money?
One eviction can cost landlords over $3,500 on average, not including legal fees or property repairs. Knowing this history upfront helps you avoid repeating someone else’s mistake.
7. Rental Application
Every tenant fills out a rental application. That form tells us a lot before we even dig deeper.
We look for:
- Complete and honest answers
- Consistency with other documents
- Gaps in rental history or employment
If the application is sloppy, it often reflects the tenant's past behavior and how they’ll handle lease terms.
Understanding the Tenant Screening Report
Once all the information is gathered, we compile a comprehensive tenant screening report. This combines the applicant’s credit history and criminal record, eviction history, landlord references, and income verification into one document.
From there, we match it against the landlord’s rental criteria. The result is a decision backed by facts.
Let the Pros Handle Tenant Screening—Here’s Why It Pays Off
Screening tenants on your own sounds simple, until it’s not. One wrong move and you’re dealing with late rent, property damage, or even legal trouble. Finding the right tenant takes more than just a gut feeling. It takes digging into the details, and that’s where things get messy if you’re not ready.
That’s why a lot of Raleigh landlords lean on us at RTP Properties NC Inc for tenant screening services. We keep it simple and thorough. Here's what we bring to the table:
- Credit checks and background checks through major credit bureaus
- Proof of income and steady employment
- We contact current and previous landlords
- Clean, fast, and legal screening reports
At the end of the day, it’s not about saying no to everyone. It’s about saying yes to the right people—the ones who pay rent on time and respect your place.
Don’t roll the dice on your next tenant. Let RTP Properties NC Inc. handle the screening, so you get renters who pay on time, treat your property right, and stick around.
FAQs
How long does the tenant screening process take?
Most tenant screening processes take about one to three business days from start to finish. Basic credit and background checks can be returned almost instantly once the applicant provides consent, but verifying employment and contacting previous landlords usually takes a bit longer. The speed often depends on how quickly applicants submit all necessary documents. Using professional screening services can help speed things up while ensuring all boxes are checked legally and thoroughly.
What should I do if a tenant has no rental history?
When a prospective tenant has no rental history, like first-time renters or recent graduates, it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. Instead, consider asking for personal references, reviewing recent pay stubs or bank statements, or requesting a co-signer with strong credit. The goal is to assess financial stability and reliability in other ways. You might also look for steady income and employment history to help you decide if they’re a good fit for your rental.
Can tenants request a copy of their screening report?
Yes, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), tenants have the right to request a copy of their tenant screening report, especially if it played a part in a rental denial. They can contact the tenant screening company directly to obtain their report and review it for any errors. If the report includes incorrect or outdated information, the tenant also has the right to dispute those details and request corrections, just like with traditional credit reports.