Tenant Screening Criteria for Florida Landlords
Clear tenant screening criteria protect your rental. Good screening is the single best way to protect your rental. Here is what to check and how to apply it fairly and consistently.
Get My Free Rent Estimate Call (904) 478-7368
What to Check
- Income: verify income from pay stubs, offer letters, or bank statements. Many landlords look for income of about three times the rent.
- Credit: look at payment history and outstanding debts, not just the score.
- Rental history: past landlord references and any prior evictions.
- Background: follow fair housing guidance. Blanket bans on any criminal record can raise legal concerns.
- Identity: confirm every adult applicant.
Stay Fair and Consistent
Write your criteria down and apply them to every applicant the same way. Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status.
How We Screen
Every one of our packages includes full tenant screening: credit, income, and background.
Management Packages
Three plans built around how involved you want to be, your income goals, and your property’s needs.
Essential Package
10% of monthly rent
+ 75% of first month’s rent (leasing fee)
For owners who want trusted systems and basic support.
- Rental pricing analysis using CRM tools
- Preferred vendors (handymen, HVAC, plumbers)
- Full tenant screening: credit, income, background
- Online rent collection and owner portal
- Quarterly drive-by photo updates
- Monthly reporting and year-end tax documents
Professional Package
15% of monthly rent
+ 75% of first month’s rent (leasing fee)
For owners who want full leasing support and better oversight.
- Everything in Essential
- Listing on major rental platforms with professional photos
- Tenant showings scheduled and conducted
- Full tenant placement and lease signing
- Move-in and move-out coordination
- Monthly drive-by photo updates
- Maintenance fully coordinated by our team
Premium Package
20% of monthly rent
+ 75% of first month’s rent (leasing fee)
For out-of-state owners and investors who want full peace of mind.
- Everything in Professional
- Interior and exterior inspections twice a year with photo reports
- Eviction coordination (notices, filings, court)
- 24/7 emergency response
- Utility setup and tracking
- Dedicated Owner Success Manager
- Optional landscaping, pest control, and pool service
Own several rentals? Ask about reduced rates, as low as 8%, for multi-home investors. See full package details.
Why Homeowners Choose Rental Property Partners
- Veteran-owned and female-led local team that lives in the communities we serve
- Military-friendly: we work with service members renting out their homes after PCS orders
- Backed by an affiliated real estate brokerage and title company if you ever decide to sell
- Clear pricing with no surprise fees
Tenant Screening Criteria FAQ
Can I charge an application fee in Florida?
Yes, application fees are common. Charge the same fee to every applicant.
Can I inspect the home during the lease?
Yes, with proper notice. Florida generally requires at least 24 hours’ notice for repairs and inspections, except emergencies.
Have questions? Call us or see our tenant screening criteria options and pricing.
Talk to a Local Property Manager
Get your free rent estimate or call (904) 478-7368. We manage homes across Jacksonville, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau counties, including Nocatee, St. Augustine, Orange Park, Jacksonville Beach, and Jacksonville.
Our Family of Companies
- Homes for sale in St. Augustine and Nocatee with Tanya Cosmini, Broker/Owner
- Realty ONE Group Elevate, a full-service real estate brokerage with offices in Jacksonville and St. Augustine
- Title Company of Florida, title insurance, escrow, and closings statewide
Affiliated business disclosure: Realty ONE Group Elevate is owned by Tanya Cosmini. Title Company of Florida is owned by her husband, Sam Gorniak, and Rental Property Partners is owned within the same family. Because of these family relationships, the owners may benefit when you use more than one of these companies. You are not required to use any of them and are free to choose other providers.
Rental Property Partners. Rental estimates are not guarantees of rent or occupancy. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Equal Housing Opportunity.