How to Screen a Tenant: Documents, Income, References, Security

Why screening tenants matters 🏠🔍

Renting out property brings income and responsibility. Proper tenant screening reduces the risk of missed payments, property damage, and conflicts — and increases the chance of finding a long-term, respectful renter.

Documents to request 📄

• Government ID (passport or national ID).
• Proof of residence status when applicable.
• Any documents needed to confirm household composition.

Tip: Make copies and record up-to-date contact details. Ask how long the tenant plans to stay — it helps assess stability.

Verifying income and ability to pay 💼

• Ask for documented proof of income: an employment statement, recent bank statements showing regular deposits, or tax documents. For freelancers, regular incoming transfers help show capacity.
• If there is a guarantor, verify their documents and income as well.

Practical approach: complete the income check before signing the lease to avoid surprises after move-in.

References and rental history 👥

• Request contacts for previous landlords and follow up. Ask about timely payments, property care, and behavior.
• Watch for indirect warning signs: short answers, reluctance to share references, or inconsistent stories.

Safety and neighbor considerations 🔐

• During a viewing, note the applicant’s behavior. Aggression or careless conduct can be a red flag.
• Explain house rules for common areas and the expected procedure for reporting damage.

Practice: include a short rules sheet with the lease to set clear expectations for both sides.

Red flags — when to refuse ⚠️

• Refusal to provide identity or income documents.
• Inability to name previous landlords or provide reliable contacts.
• Evasive or aggressive communication.

If multiple red flags appear, continue the search.

Legal safeguards and deposit 📜

• Always have a written lease that states rent, payment schedule, deposit terms, utilities responsibility, and conditions for deposit return.
• A check-in inventory with photos protects you if disputes arise about the property condition.

Tip: sign an inventory and take photos at handover to document the starting condition.

Ongoing control and relationship building 🛠️

• Agree clear payment methods and reminders.
• Schedule agreed inspections to monitor property condition.
• Keep communication professional and polite — this prevents many misunderstandings.

Practical landlord checklist ✅

• Copy of ID and contact information.
• Proof of income or guarantor details.
• Contacts of previous landlords.
• Signed lease and inventory with photos.
• Clear deposit terms.

Final note and gentle CTA 🤝

Thorough tenant screening saves time and stress. If you’d like, we can help vet candidates, prepare a solid lease, and find reliable tenants for your property. Start your search or ask for assistance at https://buyhome.ge/en/search. Contact BuyHome — we’ll help you choose and secure your rental.