Connecticut's Unique Screening Landscape:

Before diving in, remember Connecticut's fair housing laws. While you want great tenants, discriminating based on protected classes like race, religion, or disability is a big no-no. Stick to objective criteria relevant to tenancy.

Building Your Screening Arsenal:

1. Application fees: As of October 1, 2023,  Connecticut caps these at $50 and you can only charge the actual cost of the screening report PLUS you have to provide a receipt from the screening company showing what the report cost. Be upfront about non-refundable fees and what's included (e.g., credit checks).
2. Credit Checks: Assess financial responsibility. TenantTracks offers comprehensive credit reports that go beyond just scores, giving you a deeper understanding of payment history, debt-to-income ratio, and potential red flags.
3. Rental History Verifications: Confirm past tenancy details, rent payment records, and any eviction history. TenantTracks receives verifications directly from landlords and court houses, ensuring accuracy and avoiding self-reported misinformation.
4. Background Checks: Check for criminal records, especially those related to property damage,violence, or drug use. TenantTracks' customized search options let you tailor the check to your specific concerns.
5. Income Verification: Verify income and employment to ensure tenants can afford rent. Paystubs, W-2s, and bank statements 
6. References: Contact previous landlords and employers for personal insights into the applicant's behavior and responsibilities.

Here are 5 tenant red flags to look out for when screening tenants:

1. Inconsistent Rental History: Responsible tenants typically have a history of staying in rentals for longer periods. Frequent moves or short tenancies might suggest a pattern of broken leases or not fulfilling rental agreements. Be wary of applicants with gaps in their rental history or difficulty providing references from previous landlords.

2. Poor Credit Score: A credit score is a valuable indicator of financial responsibility. While some potential tenants may have lower scores due to specific circumstances, a very low credit score can suggest a history of late payments or difficulty managing finances. Carefully assess their overall financial stability and willingness to pay rent consistently.

3. Eviction History: An eviction on a tenant's record is a significant red flag. Evictions typically occur due to non-payment of rent, lease violations, or other issues. Tenants with eviction histories are more likely to repeat similar behavior in your property.

4. Insufficient Income or Unverifiable Employment: A tenant's ability to consistently pay rent is crucial. Verify their income through pay stubs, tax returns, or employer contact to ensure it meets the minimum threshold to comfortably cover rent and utilities. Unverifiable income or unclear employment situations are cause for concern.

5. Dishonesty in the Application: Honesty is key in a landlord-tenant relationship. If you discover any misleading information on the application, such as fake references, inaccurate income details, or a hidden pet, it's best to reject the application. A tenant who starts the relationship with dishonesty is more likely to cause problems down the road.

Go beyond the standard checks and consider:

• Interviewing Applicants: Get a feel for their personality, communication skills, and overall compatibility with your property and existing tenants.
• Following Up: If something seems off, like inconsistent information or missing documents, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.

TenantTracks: Your Screening Sidekick:

Why go it alone? TenantTracks streamlines and strengthens your screening process. Imagine:

• One-stop platform: Access credit checks, rental verifications, background checks, income verifications, and more – all in one convenient location.
• Faster turnarounds: Get reports quickly, so you can make informed decisions and fill vacancies sooner.
• Reduced risk: TenantTracks' rigorous process and accurate reporting help you identify potentially high-risk applicants early on.
• Compliance support: Stay on top of Connecticut's fair housing laws with TenantTracks' resources and guidance.

Finding Your Ideal Tenant:

By diligently screening applicants and using tools like TenantTracks, you can confidently choose responsible tenants who will respect your property and contribute to a harmonious rental community. Remember, fair, thorough, and efficient screening builds a solid foundation for successful landlord-tenant relationships, allowing you to focus on what you do best – providing quality housing in the Constitution State.

Start streamlining your Connecticut tenant screening today and let TenantTracks be your reliable partner in finding the perfect fit!