An Owner/Landlord can avoid a lot of headaches if he follows a detailed screening process to help choose good tenants. This screening process also can help the Owner/Landlord keep tenants, since allowing disruptive tenants may cause good tenants to move out.
South Dakota Checklist for Screening Residential Tenants: When it comes to renting out a property in South Dakota, it is crucial for landlords to carefully screen potential tenants to ensure they find responsible and reliable individuals. Utilizing a checklist for screening residential tenants can greatly assist in this process. Here is a detailed description of what a South Dakota checklist for screening residential tenants may include: 1. Personal Information: — Full name, date of birth, and social security number of the applicant. — Current address and contact information. 2. Employment and Income Verification: — Request proof of employment, such as pay stubs or an employment verification letter. — Ensure their income is sufficient to cover monthly rent payments, typically at least three times the rent amount. 3. Rental History: — Request information about the previous residences of the tenant, including addresses and landlord contact details. — Confirm the reason for leaving previous residences. — Inquire about late rental payments, evictions, property damage, or any other lease violations. 4. Credit History: — Obtain written consent from the applicant to perform a credit check. — Look for a satisfactory credit score, demonstrating a responsible financial history. — Check for outstanding debt, late payments, or any bankruptcies filed. 5. Criminal Background Check: — Request the applicant's consent to conduct a criminal background check. — Check for any history of violent crimes, drug offenses, or other felonies. — Consider evaluating the relevance and recency of the offenses. 6. References: — Seek references from previous landlords or property managers. — Contact them to obtain insights into the applicant's ability to meet lease obligations, maintain the property, and follow rules. It's important to note that while this checklist covers essential aspects of tenant screening, landlords in South Dakota must comply with local and federal fair housing laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. Types of South Dakota Checklists for Screening Residential Tenants: 1. Basic South Dakota Tenant Screening Checklist: — Covers the fundamental aspects of tenant screening, including personal information, employment verification, rental history, credit check, criminal background check, and references. 2. Comprehensive South Dakota Tenant Screening Checklist: — Encompasses all the elements of the basic checklist while also including additional items such as reviewing the applicant's bank statements, contacting current employers for references, interviewing the potential tenant, and conducting an in-person meeting. 3. Legal South Dakota Tenant Screening Checklist: — Focuses on ensuring adherence to local and federal fair housing laws, including guidelines on avoiding discriminatory practices during the tenant screening process. Remember, using a checklist allows landlords to systematically evaluate potential tenants, make informed decisions, and select responsible individuals who are likely to be a good fit for their residential property in South Dakota.
