With time, experienced landlords develop something like a “sixth-sense”. They seem to be able to screen applicants better and reduce problems like late rent payments, noisy tenants or general trouble-makers. We asked them to summarize some common “red flags” that usually lead them to investigate further. Some of these red flags can be false positives (eg. applicants who claim that their only previous landlords are their relatives. This is true in a lot of cases) but they definitely need further investigation.

1. 10 potential red flags
during the tenant screening process

2. They seem to be able to screen applicants better and reduce problems like late
rent payments, noisy tenants or general trouble-makers.
We asked them to summarize some common “red flags” that usually lead them to
investigate further.
These are the 10 things you should treat as red flags during your tenant screening
process.
Experienced landlords develop something like a “sixth-sense”
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

3. This scam has been going around for a while. A prospective tenant (usually
moving to your city) will send you an email offering to pay with a cashier’s check.
Then they would write an amount larger than the cost and ask for a refund from
the landlord. The landlord cashes the check, writes the prospective tenant the
refund amount. Then the check bounces, leaving The landlord on the hook for it.
1
Tenant is offering to pay premium on top of
advertised rent price or security deposit.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

4. The only method of payment they offer is cash. This red flag is usually followed by
another — they need to be able to move in right away.
2
They do not have cheques and are not willing
to pay using credit card or money transfer.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

5. It is true that there are some unreasonable landlords out there. But most of the
“trouble with the landlords” is around inability of tenants to pay rent on time.
3
They say that their reason for moving is trouble
with a current landlord.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

6. This often means that the work history is inaccurate (eg. companies listed are
companies of their friends or family who could pass it as true in case of a phone
check).
4
They have no credit but have been working for many years.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

7. While this is often true, more often they are just trying to hide and prevent you from
trying to contact previous landlords.
5
They have no rental history and claim the reason
is that they have never rented before and have always owned
a property instead.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

8. Like 5 above, often they are just trying to stop you from finding out about their past
problems with landlords.
Keep in mind that a lot of people do rent from their relatives or have only lived with
family members before.
6
The claim that their only previous landlords
are their relatives.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

9. Sometimes, differences are minor (eg. forgetting to list one a past place of
employment) but more often they are trying to hide a bankruptcy or a gap in
employment history.
7
Their credit report information does not match the
information provided on the rental application.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

10. This one requires no explanation. Run.
8
“What is your policy on drugs?”
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11. These are often people who are in a rush to move in
or do not value your time. You do not want either of those.
9
Not showing up for a viewing they scheduled but
still submitting an application to rent.
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12. After they move-in, it will take you a while to evict them.
And they end up rent-free. There are people out there who
hop-from a property to property this way.
10
Finding excuses not to pay rent and security deposit
before they move in
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

13. These “10 red flags” are by no means definitive but most of the
landlords we work with have encountered them at least once.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

14. Zora helps landlords avoid mistakes like these by doing
background checks for you and by scoring all prospective
applicants.
Try it for free at www.zora.io
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

15. www.zora.io
hello@zora.io
Thank You!