Tenant screening is one of the most important parts of being a successful landlord in Bastrop—or anywhere in Texas. Good tenants protect your property, pay on time, and keep your investment headache-free.
Here’s how to screen tenants the right way, legally and effectively.
1. Know the Law First
Texas Fair Housing laws prohibit discrimination based on:
- Race, religion, national origin
- Sex, familial status, disability
Never ask about age, marital status, or anything related to a protected class.
2. Require a Rental Application
Collect:
- Full legal name
- Social Security number
- Income & employment details
- Previous rental history
- References
Pro Tip: Use a service like TurboTenant or RentRedi to automate this.
3. Run a Full Background Check
- Credit Report (look for 600+ minimum)
- Criminal History (non-violent misdemeanors may be OK)
- Eviction History (zero tolerance is best)
Get written permission to pull reports and keep documents secure.
4. Verify Employment & Income
Call employers directly or request recent pay stubs or tax returns.
Rule of Thumb: Monthly income should be 3x rent.
5. Call Previous Landlords
Ask:
- Did they pay on time?
- Any damage or complaints?
- Would you rent to them again?
Final Thoughts
Proper tenant screening can save you thousands in repairs, missed rent, or legal headaches. Whether you’re managing your own rental in Bastrop or growing your portfolio, this is where success begins.
🧾 Need a free Bastrop landlord checklist or screening template? Message me today.
