---
title: Columbia Property Management's Tips for Tenant Screening
description: A Columbia property management company can meet each one of your needs when screening potential renters. Learn the steps involved!
image: https://www.rwmaryland.com/hubfs/Equal%20housing%20opportunity.jpg
---

[![RENOSYbyRW_logo_blue_vertical2_RGB-1](https://www.rwmaryland.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RENOSYbyRW_logo_blue_vertical2_RGB-1.png?width=3000&height=846&name=RENOSYbyRW_logo_blue_vertical2_RGB-1.png "RENOSYbyRW_logo_blue_vertical2_RGB-1")](https://www.rwmaryland.com/)

- [Free Rental Price Analysis](https://www.rwmaryland.com/get-your-free-rental-analysis)
- [Find a Rental Home](https://www.rwmaryland.com/find-a-rental)
- [About Us](https://www.rwmaryland.com/about-us)
- [Blog](https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog)
- [Apply for a Home](https://www.rwmaryland.com/apply)

[410-878-7722](tel:+14108787722)

 

   

[410-878-7722](tel:+14108787722)

 

x

- [Home](https://www.rwmaryland.com)
- [Free Rental Price Analysis](https://www.rwmaryland.com/get-your-free-rental-analysis)
- [FIND A RENTAL HOME](https://www.rwmaryland.com/find-a-rental)
- [ABOUT US](https://www.rwmaryland.com/about-us)
- [JOIN OUR TEAM](https://www.rwmaryland.com/join-our-team)
- [PRICING](https://www.rwmaryland.com/pricing)
- [RESOURCES](https://www.rwmaryland.com/free-resources)
- [BLOG](https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog)
- [CONTACT US](https://www.rwmaryland.com/contact-us)
- [OWNER PORTAL](https://dbg.appfolio.com/oportal/users/log_in)
- [HOMEOWNER RESOURCES](https://renterswarehouse.com/homeowner-resources)
- [TENANT PORTAL](https://dbg.appfolio.com/connect/users/sign_in)
- [TENANT RESOURCES](https://renterswarehouse.com/tenant-resources)

Connect with us

- [![icon-fb](https://www.rwmaryland.com/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/icon-fb.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/RentersWarehouseMD)
- [![icon-twitter](https://www.rwmaryland.com/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/icon-twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/WeRentYourHome)
- [![icon-linkedin](https://www.rwmaryland.com/hubfs/About%20Us/Social%20Icons/icon-linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/55879611)

[Renter Relationships](https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog/tag/renter-relationships), [Smart Screening](https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog/tag/smart-screening), [Columbia Property Management](https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog/tag/columbia-property-management)

 Renters Warehouse BW Metro | December 11, 2023

# Tenant Screening Tips From Columbia Property Management

"Listen to audio version"

5:42

*Updated December 11, 2023.*

By far, the most important step in running a [successful rental income](https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog/stay-successful-with-your-rentals-columbia-property-management-tips) business is having solid, reliable renters. Finding renters like this isn’t always easy to do—especially when you operate a luxury rental property!

While working with a Columbia property management company could reduce some of this stress right away, there are a few things to keep in mind if you plan to find your renters.Before you dive in, consider the [insight](https://www.rwmaryland.com/enjoy-profitable-rentals-with-baltimore-property-management-insight) of our Rent Estate™ Advisors here at Renters Warehouse to dodge some early investor mistakes when it comes to the screening process.

***Please note: This article is not legal counsel. When in doubt, you should always reach out to your attorney or your Columbia property partners at Renters Warehouse! ***

## **Use a Reputable Tenant Screening Service to Help You**

If you plan to [screen potential renters](https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog/tenant-screening-under-stress-baltimore-property-management-tips) on your own, it is essential to choose a Fair Credit Reporting Act [(FCRA) compliant](https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/statutes/fair-credit-reporting-act) tenant screening service. These professionals can handle much of the background work to ensure you know everything you can know about your prospective renter (within the legal limits, of course).

This service type can provide insight into a few key data points that all property owners need to have to evaluate an applicant.

- **Credit checks: **Knowing if your applicant can make payments on time determines whether they are a high or low-risk candidate for your Columbia rental properties. Credit checks are a commonly-used component in property management because past behavior is often a clear indication of future actions. Look at any credit factors important to you, such as their score, amount of debt, and current income.
- **Background checks:** Learning about a person’s background is important for most property owners. Your goal is not to pry, but to understand if they have a criminal background that could put other renters at risk. It can play a role in your liability as the property owner, as well.
- **Previous rental history: **As noted, past actions are often indicative of future actions. Having an idea of their previous rental history can give you an idea of what to expect. You want to know if they stuck to their agreements or owe another property owner a significant amount of money.

## *![Equal housing opportunity](https://www.rwmaryland.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Equal%20housing%20opportunity.jpg?width=2000&name=Equal%20housing%20opportunity.jpg)*

## *Never Discriminate*

Housing discrimination is illegal. The federal Fair Housing Act protects many classifications of individuals from forms of bias in housing. That means you cannot use information related to these factors when deciding who to rent to or how much to charge them:

- Race
- National origin
- Familial status
- Age
- Religion
- [Disability](https://www.ada.gov/)
- Sex.

This law outlines some very specific rules. For example, you cannot advertise using or make statements that apply any type of preference in a person’s religion, age, sex, or other protected class—even making claims that the community is 'family-friendly' may be seen as problematic!

- You cannot deny an available rental unit to someone based on 'gut feelings' outside of your established criteria.
- You cannot set restrictive standards on certain applicants over other equally-qualified Maryland applicants.
- It is also not legal to: 
    - Require larger deposits
    - Set different terms for renters
    - Provide alternating privileges, or
    - Terminate a residency for these factors.

![Black couple unpacking cardboard boxes in living room moving in out new home, african tenants renters packing stuff preparing for relocation house renovation](https://www.rwmaryland.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Black%20couple%20unpacking%20cardboard%20boxes%20in%20living%20room%20moving%20in%20out%20new%20home%2c%20african%20tenants%20renters%20packing%20stuff%20preparing%20for%20relocation%20house%20renovation.jpg?width=2000&name=Black%20couple%20unpacking%20cardboard%20boxes%20in%20living%20room%20moving%20in%20out%20new%20home%2c%20african%20tenants%20renters%20packing%20stuff%20preparing%20for%20relocation%20house%20renovation.jpg)

From your [rental listings](https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog/writing-effective-rental-listings-columbia-property-management-tips) to the contracts you sign, *these details matter.* If you fail to uphold the guidelines of the Fair Housing Act, you could face legal action that can damage your financial future! Rather than put this future at risk, you'd be better off leaving the screening process in the hands of a capable Columbia property management company**.**

## Hire a Property Partner to Manage It All!

Think about how important [renter relationships](https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog/why-working-relationships-matter-columbia-property-management-tips) are. Then, consider all of the rules you have to follow to find your property's ideal renter. This makes it clear: hiring a professional can sometimes be the perfect way to go! The right company can do all of the hard work for you. That includes:

- Finding your 'bullseye price' to set the best rent rate possible to secure high-quality renters
- Creating discrimination-free property listings that appeal to all interested applicants
- Managing the marketing of your listing, including showcasing your property's features
- Meeting with and properly screening applicants as they express interest in your rental property
- Providing access to all applicable research, including background checks, credit checks, and rental history
- Helping you make decisions best suited for your needs without any discriminatory or inaccurate data
- Ensuring your lease is airtight and signed properly to protect you as the property owner.

You can find your own renters and manage them as you elect to do so. However, working with a skilled Columbia property management company like Renters Warehouse can:

- Reduce a lot of risk to you as the property owner
- Speed up the tenant screening process, and
- Resolve the stress you feel in this process.

Becoming an investor in real estate—especially where collecting rent's concerned—means carefully considering each investment and then planning the most affordable (and stable) way to generate a profit.

Every situation is different, but even with a single property to rent and a new renter to find, it is critical to follow the lay of the law to the letter! One way to begin doing so successfully is by utilizing our free resources. You can download your copy of our free Tenant Screening Checklist to get started on finding your next best renter!

[![Download the checklist](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7555382/6ad95b6b-9ade-4e55-bc67-09e7f02a59da.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7555382/6ad95b6b-9ade-4e55-bc67-09e7f02a59da)

[Previous Post](https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog/using-an-llc-for-rental-property-a-comprehensive-guide)

- [*facebook*](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog/renter-screening-tips-from-columbia-property-management)
- [*Twitter*](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog/renter-screening-tips-from-columbia-property-management&text=Tenant%20Screening%20Tips%20From%20Columbia%20Property%20Management)
- [*Linkedin*](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog/renter-screening-tips-from-columbia-property-management&title=Tenant%20Screening%20Tips%20From%20Columbia%20Property%20Management)
- [*Pinterest*](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/bookmarklet/?media=https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/7555382/Equal%20housing%20opportunity.jpg&url=https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog/renter-screening-tips-from-columbia-property-management&description=Tenant%20Screening%20Tips%20From%20Columbia%20Property%20Management)

![social share](https://www.rwmaryland.com/hubfs/Share-Icon.svg)

[![home](https://www.rwmaryland.com/hubfs/bRANDING%20iMAGES/Home-Icon.svg)](https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog/)

[Next Post](https://www.rwmaryland.com/blog/what-happens-if-a-tenant-doesnt-pay-rent-heres-what-you-need-to-know)

## Get exclusive Content

Send us your email address and we'll send you great content!

![RENOSYbyRW_logo_blue_vertical2_RGB-1](https://www.rwmaryland.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RENOSYbyRW_logo_blue_vertical2_RGB-1.png?width=2000&height=564&name=RENOSYbyRW_logo_blue_vertical2_RGB-1.png "RENOSYbyRW_logo_blue_vertical2_RGB-1")

#### Connect With Us

- [*facebook*](https://www.facebook.com/RentersWarehouseMD)
- [*Twitter*](https://twitter.com/WeRentYourHome)
- [*Linkedin*](https://www.linkedin.com/company/55879611)

### Subscribe to receive the latest news

- 9841 Broken Land Parkway Suite 109, Columbia, MD 21046
- [410-878-7722](tel:4108787722)
- After-Hours Maintenance Emergency:  
  **[410-878-7722 and press 2](tel:4108787722)**
- Be sure to also create a  
  **[Maintenance Request](https://dbg.appfolio.com/connect/users/sign_in) in your Tenant Portal**

X

## We are happy to help with your maintenance request. Are you a tenant or a homeowner?

[Tenant](https://dbg.appfolio.com/connect/users/sign_in) [Home owner](https://dbg.appfolio.com/oportal/users/log_in)

Renters Warehouse Maryland, LLC is committed to compliance with all federal, state and local fair housing laws. 

Renters Warehouse Maryland, LLC, located at 9841 Broken Land Parkway, Ste 109, Columbia MD 21046 410-878-7722, is a property management company and licensed Collection Agency in good standing in the State of Maryland: [NMLS License #2719960](https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/)

 

---

 

**RENOSY by Renters Warehouse, based in Columbia, Maryland proudly serves:**

[Annapolis](https://www.rwmaryland.com/growing-with-an-annapolis-property-management-expert)  |  Aberdeen  |  Abingdon  |  [Baltimore](https://www.rwmaryland.com/renters-warehouse-property-management-the-best-property-management-baltimore-offers)  |  Bel Air  |  Belcamp  |  Beltsville  |  Bethesda  |  Bowie  |  Burtonsville  |  Catonsville  |  Clarksburg  |  [Columbia](https://www.rwmaryland.com/columbia-maryland-property-management)  |  Crownsville  |  College Park  |  Crofton  |  Dundalk  |  Fallston  |  Fulton  |  Eldersburg  |  Elkridge  |  Essex  |  [Ellicott City](https://www.rwmaryland.com/an-ellicott-city-property-management-company-can-boost-your-income)  |  [Frederick](https://www.rwmaryland.com/frederick-property-management) | Gaithersburg  |  Gambrills  |  [Germantown](https://www.rwmaryland.com/germantown-property-managment-services-grow-your-portfolio)  |  Glen Burnie  |  Greenbelt  |  Halethorpe  |  Hampstead  |  Hanover  |  Havre de Grace  |  [Howard County](https://www.rwmaryland.com/howard-county-property-management)  |  Hunt Valley  |  Kensington  |  Laurel  |  Linthicum  |  Lutherville  |  [Montgomery County](https://www.rwmaryland.com/montgomery-county-property-management)  |  Montgomery Village  |  Nottingham  |  Odenton  |  Olney  |  Owings Mills  |  Parkville  |  Pasadena  |  Pikesville  |  [Rockville](https://www.rwmaryland.com/rockville-property-management)  |  Rosedale  |  Severn  |  [Silver Spring](https://www.rwmaryland.com/silver-spring-property-management-helps-you-succeed-in-the-dmv-area)  |  Sykesville  |  Takoma Park  |  Timonium  |  Upper Marlboro  |  Wheaton  |  White Marsh  |  Woodstock 

[Privacy Policy](https://www.rwmaryland.com/privacy-policy)  |  [Sitemap ](https://www.rwmaryland.com/sitemap) |  [Fair Housing Policy](https://www.rwmaryland.com/fair-housing-policy)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@id" : "100178776099",
  "@type" : "LocalBusiness",
  "address" : {
    "@type" : "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry" : "United States",
    "addressLocality" : "Columbia",
    "addressRegion" : "Maryland",
    "postalCode" : "21046",
    "streetAddress" : "9841 Broken Land Parkway Suite 210"
  },
  "alternateName" : "renters warehouse bw metro baltimore, renters warehouse baltimore, renters warehouse maryland, renters warehouse property management, property manager columbia md, property management companies in columbia md, property management columbia md, baltimore property management services, property manager baltimore, property management company baltimore, property management baltimore md",
  "areaServed" : [ {
    "@id" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annapolis%2C_Maryland",
    "@type" : "City",
    "name" : "Annapolis",
    "slogan" : "Annapolis Property Management",
    "url" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/growing-with-an-annapolis-property-management-expert"
  }, {
    "@id" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore",
    "@type" : "City",
    "name" : "Baltimore",
    "slogan" : "Baltimore Property Management",
    "url" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/renters-warehouse-property-management-the-best-property-management-baltimore-offers"
  }, {
    "@id" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia,_Maryland",
    "@type" : "City",
    "name" : "Columbia",
    "slogan" : "Columbia Property Management",
    "url" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/columbia-maryland-property-management"
  }, {
    "@id" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellicott_City,_Maryland",
    "@type" : "City",
    "name" : "Ellicott City",
    "slogan" : "Ellicott City Property Management",
    "url" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/an-ellicott-city-property-management-company-can-boost-your-income"
  }, {
    "@id" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick,_Maryland",
    "@type" : "City",
    "name" : "Frederick",
    "slogan" : "Frederick Property Management",
    "url" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/frederick-property-management"
  }, {
    "@id" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germantown,_Maryland",
    "@type" : "City",
    "name" : "Germantown",
    "slogan" : "Germantown Property Management",
    "url" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/germantown-property-managment-services-grow-your-portfolio"
  }, {
    "@id" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockville,_Maryland",
    "@type" : "City",
    "name" : "Rockville",
    "slogan" : "Rockville Property Management",
    "url" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/rockville-property-management"
  }, {
    "@id" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Spring,_Maryland",
    "@type" : "City",
    "name" : "Silver Spring",
    "slogan" : "Silver Spring Property Management",
    "url" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/silver-spring-property-management-helps-you-succeed-in-the-dmv-area"
  }, { }, {
    "@id" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgomery_County,_Maryland",
    "@type" : "AdministrativeArea",
    "name" : "Montgomery County",
    "slogan" : "Montgomery County Property Management",
    "url" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/montgomery-county-property-management"
  } ],
  "contactPoint" : {
    "@type" : "ContactPoint",
    "areaServed" : [ "US", "MD" ],
    "contactType" : "Customer Service",
    "telephone" : "+410-878-7722"
  },
  "currenciesAccepted" : "USD",
  "description" : "Renters Warehouse is the top leasing and property management company in Baltimore, Maryland—and across the nation. Our Rent Estate™ Advisors provide full-service Maryland property management and personalized service that ensures your property rents quickly, for the best price, and is well cared for.",
  "geo" : {
    "@type" : "GeoCoordinates",
    "description" : "Our office location can be found here.",
    "latitude" : "39.1822096",
    "longitude" : "-76.8504892",
    "name" : "Renters Warehouse",
    "postalCode" : "21046"
  },
  "hasMap" : "https://maps.app.goo.gl/pWuxdSw9oqNH5DTC8",
  "hasOfferCatalog" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/pricing",
    "@type" : "OfferCatalog",
    "itemListElement" : [ {
      "@type" : "Offer",
      "itemOffered" : [ {
        "@id" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/get-your-free-rental-analysis",
        "@type" : "Service",
        "description" : "Setting the proper rental rate for a property is one way to reduce the time a property sits empty, costing you money instead of earning it. Set the rate too high and you risk a property that sits vacant for months while tenants find something more in line with market rates. Set the rental amount too low, and you lose money on your investment and potentially lose out on market-savvy renters who think the offer is too good to be true. Renters Warehouse BW Metro can help. We help rental property owners in the Maryland area set the perfect rental rate for their property with our free rental analysis. There is no obligation to you; our rental analysis is completely free. We will meet with you to learn the specifics of your property, then prepare a report for you.",
        "name" : "Free Rental Price Analysis",
        "url" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/get-your-free-rental-analysis"
      }, {
        "@id" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/pricing",
        "@type" : "Service",
        "description" : "Our marketing strategy includes outreach through hundreds of websites ($400/month value). On average, we sign qualified, quality tenants in less than three weeks. After that, our Certified Tenant Match & Warranty Process kicks in: We conduct a thorough background check on potential clients. We prepare and assist with all inspections, documentation, and rental licenses. We provide a 9-month tenant warranty on all managed placements. We guarantee our tenant placements: if any renter defaults for any reason, we provide additional tenant placement services for free.",
        "name" : "Tenant Placement",
        "url" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/pricing"
      }, {
        "@id" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/guaranteed-rent-program",
        "@type" : "Service",
        "description" : "Guaranteed Rent is up to 12 months of rent payments, minus renter placement fees and/or property management costs, that are paid upfront to rental property owners. This offers landlords the opportunity to avoid the risk and ramifications of a tenant failing to pay or paying late.",
        "name" : "Guaranteed Rent",
        "url" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/guaranteed-rent-program"
      } ]
    } ],
    "name" : " Maryland Property Management",
    "url" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/pricing"
  },
  "knowsAbout" : [ "Free Rental Price Analysis", "Tenant Screening", "Rent Collection", "Repairs & Maintenance", "Eviction", "Real Estate Investing", "Rental Property Management", "Pet Screening Service", "Move-In/Out Evaluations", "Tenant Placement", "Inspections" ],
  "logo" : "https://6190695.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6190695/logo.svg",
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "100178776099",
  "name" : "Renters Warehouse",
  "openingHours" : "Mo 0900-1700 Tu 0900-1700 We 0900-1700 Th 0900-1700 Fr 0900-1700",
  "paymentAccepted" : "Visa, MC, PayPal, Amex",
  "priceRange" : "$$",
  "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/RentersWarehouseMD", "https://twitter.com/WeRentYourHome", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/55879611" ],
  "telephone" : "410-878-7722",
  "url" : "https://www.rwmaryland.com/"
}
```