> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.unitefoundation.in/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Tenant Screening: Background Checks and Credit Reports

> Find qualified tenants faster with automated background checks, credit reports, and rental history verification — all from your PropManager dashboard.

Tenant screening in PropManager gives you a complete picture of every applicant before you hand over the keys. From credit scores and criminal history to eviction records and rental history, PropManager runs comprehensive checks automatically and delivers a clear, actionable report so you can make confident, compliant leasing decisions quickly.

## How It Works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open a property listing or existing vacancy">
    Navigate to **Properties** in your dashboard and select the listing or vacancy you want to fill. From the property detail page, click **Screen Applicant** to begin.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send a screening invitation">
    Enter the applicant's email address and click **Send Invitation**. PropManager emails the applicant a secure link to start their screening application — no account required on their end.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Applicant completes the screening form">
    The applicant fills out their personal information, provides consent for the background and credit checks, and submits the form. Consent is collected digitally and stored automatically for your records.
  </Step>

  <Step title="PropManager runs the checks">
    Once the applicant submits, PropManager automatically runs a full background check, pulls a credit report, and verifies rental history. Most reports are ready within minutes.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review the screening report">
    Head to the **Screening** tab in your dashboard to view the completed report. All results appear in a single, organized view — no logging into third-party portals.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Approve or decline the applicant">
    Based on the report, click **Approve** or **Decline**. The applicant receives an automated notification either way, and your decision is logged for compliance purposes.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What's Included in a Screening Report

Every PropManager screening report covers the following areas:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Credit Score & Payment History" icon="credit-card">
    A full credit report including FICO score, open accounts, outstanding balances, and historical payment behavior.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Criminal Background Check" icon="shield-halved">
    A nationwide criminal records search covering felonies, misdemeanors, and sex offender registries.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Eviction History" icon="gavel">
    A search of court records for prior eviction filings and judgments across all previous addresses.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Rental History Verification" icon="house">
    Verification of prior tenancies to confirm residency dates, payment history, and standing at move-out.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Screening Statuses

Track every application at a glance using PropManager's status labels:

| Status        | Meaning                                                    |
| ------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Pending**   | Invitation sent; applicant has not yet completed the form. |
| **In Review** | Applicant submitted the form; checks are running.          |
| **Approved**  | Screening complete; applicant meets your criteria.         |
| **Declined**  | Screening complete; applicant did not meet your criteria.  |

<Note>
  Tenant screening is governed by the **Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)**. PropManager collects digital consent from each applicant before running any checks, and that consent record is stored on the application for your compliance files. You are responsible for following adverse action notice requirements if you decline an applicant based on screening results. Consult a legal advisor if you have questions about your obligations.
</Note>

<Tip>
  Save time on every application by setting minimum screening criteria directly in your property settings. Go to **Properties → Settings → Screening Criteria** to define thresholds for minimum credit score, income-to-rent ratio, and acceptable eviction history. PropManager will flag applications that fall below your thresholds automatically.
</Tip>

## Next Steps

Once you've approved an applicant, move on to the onboarding process to set up their lease, collect a security deposit, and get them added to your rent collection workflow.

→ [Onboarding Tenants](/guides/onboarding-tenants)