Property Owner Guidelines for Tenant Screening
§ Property Owner must complete a Tenant Screening Agreement before screening for any property can begin. The Property Owner should include any addresses that may use Tenant Screening in the future, even if they are not immediately available for rent.
§ If the Property Owner has already completed a Tenant Screening Agreement and wishes to add another rental property, they must contact TGNCDC to add this property to their agreement before sending any prospective tenants to be screened for that property.
§ Property Owner is responsible for advertising and showing available units. When advertising, do not post TGNCDC contact info; this information is on the Prospective Tenant Checklist* and should only be given out to Prospective Tenants who have been shown the unit.
§ When handing out the Prospective Tenant Checklist* fill in property address and unit number at the top of the page.
§ Property Owners should inform Prospective Tenants that for a specific unit, applications are processed one at a time on a first come, first served basis and that applications will not be processed until all required documentation and application fees are submitted.
§ If there are multiple applications for specific unit, the second application will only be processed if the first application is not recommended by TGNCDC and/or denied by the Property Owner. We will not accept application fees until applications are processed.
§ Property Owner must commit to screening every Prospective Tenant 18 and older, including those who are unemployed or will not be signing the lease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Tenant Screening important?
A: Tenant screening is the best way to ensure your vacancies are filled with tenants who will pay on time, do not annoy neighbors, and keep your property in good condition.
Q: I already screen my tenants. Why should I use TGNCDC’s screening services?
A: Our screening service is a free for Property Owners. TGNCDC tenant screening service does a complete check, including five year residential history, employment verification, credit report, and nationwide criminal history and eviction record. An additional benefit to our Tenant Screening Program is the network of support and knowledge we can provide. We offer free Landlord Training Sessions throughout the year to help educate Property Owners on a variety of topics in this unpredictable field. We also work closely with the City Counselors, Neighborhood Stabilization Officers, and Circuit Attorneys and have our own network of over 650 landlords who can offer advice on any subject.
Q: Can you only screen for properties in the Tower Grove Neighborhoods?
A: No, we can screen for properties anywhere in Saint Louis City, County, or anywhere nationwide!
Q: How long does it take to screen a prospective tenant?
A: 2 to 5 business days. After 5 business days we will make a recommendation based on the information we have been able to gather.
Q: Can the screening be done any faster? I’m afraid my prospect won’t wait.
A: The screening is dependent on how quickly references can return verification forms. Remember: it takes at least 90 days to evict a bad tenant – 90 days with no rental income, 90 days during which the problem tenant can damage your property. Waiting a few days to get your results could save you a significant amount of money, time, and inconvenience.
Q: How much does the screening service cost?
A: This service is free to the Property Owner. Prospective Tenants pay a $40 non-refundable fee for each individual 18 years of age and older who will reside in the unit.
Q: Is a prospective tenant’s screening information transferable to another property?
A: Applications are valid for 30 days from the day they are processed. After this period of time, any applicant interested in another property that uses Tenant Screening will have to submit a completely new application.
Q: Will I get a copy of the prospective tenant’s credit report?
A: No. In compliance with privacy laws we cannot provide you with the credit report. We will provide you with a summary of the applicant’s credit report, national criminal background and eviction report, a copy of all application materials, and a Recommendation Report.
*Refers to documents in the Forms and Sample Reports Section updated June 2015