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Red Flags in Tenant Screening

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Realty Concierge International MA #9535680 RI#REB0019277

In an ideal world, every potential tenant would pass their background check with ease. But that’s not always the way it goes. If someone’s trying to hide something, a background check will likely reveal it. From exaggerated income to a criminal record or prior evictions, keep an eye out for red flags like these:

  • Low credit score  
  • False references and contact information  
  • Felony charges  
  • History of evictions  
  • Conflict of interest references, such as friends or family members  
  • Lower income than what was reported on their application  
  • History of frequent moving   
  • History of getting fired often  
  • Rush to move in  
  • Offer of advance payment  

Thorough tenant screening helps reduce risks and improve investment returns. Spotting red flags and using a reliable screening platform can prevent costly errors and ensure reliable tenants, while adhering to fair housing laws keeps landlords legally protected. Effective tenant screening benefits both landlords and tenants.

I’ve always provided a dependable screening platform that gives access to credit reports, background checks, and eviction history. If you have a rental property coming available, consider working with me to find a trustworthy tenant we can both feel good about. 

Check out my recent blog about Qualifying a Tenant for a Massachusetts Rental.

Posted by

 


Kelly McGovern, Broker/Owner

Realty Concierge International
Mobile: (508) 331-7158
eFax: (877) 491-3766
Email: Info@KellyMcGovern.Realtor
Website: http://www.RealtyConcierge.Realtor
9535680

Comments(7)

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Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

I have had a few landlords who have jumped the gun with tenants I did not pass. They have not usually had great results.

Jan 20, 2026 06:34 AM
Kelly McGovern

Pick the wrong tenant and you've got a nightmare on your hands!

Jan 20, 2026 06:54 AM
Patricia Feager
Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Kelly McGovern - this is a great blog post with warnings too. When those red flags pop up, landowners and agents are playing with fire. 

Jan 20, 2026 06:59 AM
Kelly McGovern

Choosing the wrong tenant can be costly, but with proper upfront vetting, you should be in good shape.

Jan 20, 2026 07:01 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hi Kelly... I think I did exactly one rental in all the years I was in real estate in Manhattan and exactly one here in Charlotte. This is one aspect of the real estate business I am happy not to participate in.

Jan 20, 2026 10:32 AM
Kelly McGovern

I hear that a lot Nina Hollander, Broker .  It's a lot of work for agents and a lot of headache if the landlord picks the wrong candidate.  I try hard to make sure all the upfront vetting is done well so they can make the best decision.

Jan 21, 2026 06:41 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Kelly McGovern Looks like you will have your landlords protected and all the bases covered . The landlord will be in good hands with you allowing you to find his tentant 

Jan 20, 2026 12:34 PM
Kelly McGovern

Thats the plan Hannah Williams !  Doing the work upfront hopefully gives us the best candidate for the unit.

Jan 21, 2026 06:42 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Kelly and thank you for sharing this blog with us here in the Rain.  Always good to see what people blog about.

Jan 20, 2026 04:27 PM
Kelly McGovern

Thanks Will Hamm Over the past week, I’ve been getting quite a few calls from people with rentals becoming available soon. I like to blog about what’s going on in my life, so I’m hoping to stay busy and keep up with daily content.

Jan 21, 2026 06:44 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Kelly, I knew early in my career, I WAS NOT going to work with tenants, and never have.

Jan 20, 2026 07:33 PM
Kelly McGovern

I can understand that Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner 

Jan 21, 2026 06:44 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I feel a bit bad when I am dealing with a person where these red flags have arisen, since most of them have a sad story to go along with the red flags.  When renting out a property, though, the sad stories only tell a landlord that they aren't likely a good rental candidate.

Jan 21, 2026 04:42 AM
Kelly McGovern

I was thinking the same thing Brian England When writing this blog, I know that larger complexes tend to be more lenient with vetting because they’re prepared if a tenant is late on rent and have the eviction process memorized, along with a staff of attorneys to help. The regular landlord doesn’t have that, so it’s more of a risk for them. That’s just my opinion.

Jan 21, 2026 06:46 AM