Property Management Professional's Top Tips on Tenant Screening

For many renters, finding the right condo or house in a city like Calgary can be a serious challenge. But let’s not forget—it’s just as tough for landlords trying to find the right tenant.

When you're a property owner looking to rent out your unit, tenant screening becomes one of the most critical steps in protecting your investment. A great tenant can mean steady income, fewer repairs, and less stress. A bad one? Well, that can lead to late payments, property damage, or worse—legal troubles.

At LeaseWell, we’ve helped hundreds of Calgary landlords screen and secure reliable, responsible tenants. Here are our top professional tips for effective tenant screening that reduces risk and boosts peace of mind.

1. Always Use a Rental Application

It may seem basic, but you’d be surprised how many landlords skip this step. A detailed rental application gives you a snapshot of the tenant’s:

• Employment status and income

• Rental history

• References

• Contact details

• Consent for background and credit checks
  

Make sure your application form is clear, comprehensive, and legally compliant with Alberta’s privacy and tenancy laws.

2. Run a Credit Check

A credit report is a powerful tool that tells you how financially responsible your potential tenant is. Look for:

• Good credit score (ideally 650+)

• History of paying bills on time

• Low levels of debt

• No recent bankruptcies or collections

This can help you assess whether they’re likely to pay rent consistently and on time.

💡 Pro Tip: LeaseWell runs thorough tenant credit checks as part of our tenant placement service.

3. Verify Employment and Income

A common rule of thumb is that a tenant’s income should be at least 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent. Ask for recent pay stubs or a letter of employment, and if necessary, contact the employer to confirm job stability.

For self-employed applicants, request tax documents or business statements to confirm income.

4. Check Rental History and References

Talking to past landlords is one of the best ways to spot red flags. Ask questions like:

• Did they pay rent on time?

• Were they respectful of the property?

• Did they give proper notice before moving out?

• Would you rent to them again?

Be cautious if they can’t provide a solid reference or only list friends or family.

5. Meet the Tenant in Person (or Virtually)

Even if everything checks out on paper, trust your gut. Meeting the applicant—either in person or via video—gives you a chance to:

• Observe how they communicate

• Ask follow-up questions

• Clarify lease expectations and house rules
  

You’ll often get a better feel for whether they’ll be a good fit for your property.

6. Be Consistent & Compliant

Always use the same screening process for every applicant. This not only keeps things fair but also protects you from potential discrimination claims under the Alberta Human Rights Act.

Keep written records of your screening process and criteria—it’s your safety net in case of disputes.

7. Trust but Verify

Sometimes a tenant may seem perfect—great personality, good story—but never skip the due diligence. It’s always better to spend a few extra days verifying details than rushing into a lease and regretting it later.

Final Thoughts

Tenant screening isn’t just a formality—it’s your first line of defense as a landlord. By taking the time to screen applicants properly, you can avoid headaches, reduce turnover, and create a more positive experience for everyone involved.

At LeaseWell, we specialize in finding the right tenants for Calgary landlords—using a thorough, professional, and legally sound process. Whether you manage one property or several, we’re here to help protect your investment and give you peace of mind.

👉 Want help screening tenants the smart way? Let LeaseWell handle the hard part, so you don’t have to.