Chicago Property Management Blog

Guide to Tenant Screening

Guide to Tenant Screening

Having to evict a tenant is a landlord’s nightmare scenario. What’s worse? The process is arduous and emotionally exhausting for both landlords and tenants alike. That is why MF Cashflow’s solution is to aim to avoid evictions entirely through proper tenant screening ahead of move-in day. 

This guide will unpack why tenant screening is crucial in finding suitable residents. We’ll then outline six steps MF Cashflow Property Management does to screen tenants successfully! 


Why Tenant Screening is Crucial

As a landlord, you hope to find tenants who will feel at home while respecting your property. To find these priceless people, you must screen multiple prospective tenants and choose the best option.

The tenant screening process should be quick but thorough, covering all necessary bases and asking the right questions. MF Cashflow does these things as a property manager to find and keep good tenants for your property! 

We'll dive into the crucial process of tenant screening and outline six essential steps to ensure you find the best possible tenants for your properties.


1. Streamlined Application Process

At MF Cashflow, we believe in efficiency and consistency. That's why all rental applications are conveniently received online through our website, MF Cashflow. Utilizing the robust capabilities of our Appfolio property management systems, we maintain a single standard application format, ensuring fairness and uniformity across all our properties.

2. Thorough Credit and Background Checks

Once an application is submitted, our built-in Appfolio systems swing into action, conducting comprehensive credit and background checks on prospective tenants. This step provides valuable insights into an applicant's financial history and helps assess their suitability as a tenant.

3. Income Verification

Financial stability is a key indicator of a tenant's ability to fulfill their rental obligations. To ensure this, we meticulously validate income documents provided by applicants. By confirming their financial capacity, we strive to minimize the risk of late or missed rent payments.

4. Rental and Employment History Verification

Past behavior is often a reliable predictor of future actions. That's why we make it a priority to verify rental and employment history for all applicants. By contacting previous landlords and employers, we gain valuable context about an applicant's rental experience and work stability.

5. Expert Assessment by Property Account Managers

At MF Cashflow Property Management, our dedicated property account managers play a vital role in the tenant screening process. Drawing upon their extensive experience in property management, they meticulously review all application information and provide their expert judgment. Depending on the circumstances, they may choose to conduct further interviews with applicants to gather additional insights.

6. Final Decision

Armed with comprehensive data and insights, our property account managers make informed decisions regarding tenant selection. Their goal is to ensure a harmonious tenant-landlord relationship and minimize the risk of potential issues down the line. By following a rigorous screening process, we aim to secure reliable tenants who will treat your property with care and respect.

In conclusion, tenant screening is a critical aspect of successful property management. By implementing these six essential steps, MF Cashflow strives to uphold high standards of tenant selection, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and profitability of your rental properties. Stay tuned for more valuable insights and tips from MF Cashflow!

Areas we service are: Chicago, Forest Park, Joliet, Naperville, Downers Grove, Bolingbrook, Glenwood, South Holland, Dolton, Calumet City, Hazel Crest, Plainfield, Lisle, Homer Glen, Brookfield, Lansing, Oak Park, Midlothian, Park Forest, Oak Lawn, Lisle, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Aurora, Woodridge, Lemont, Darien, Lockport, Westmont, Alsip, Blue Island, Burbank, Chicago Ridge, Crest Hill, Flossmoor, Glennwood, Homewood, Justice, Lemont, Markham, Mokena, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Orland Park, Richton Park, Riverdale, Robbins, Thornton, Worth.

Call M Property Group LLC & MF Cashflow Property Management today at 708-719-0977. We are here to help maximize your profits and minimize your headaches. 

Back