Wisconsin tenant screening is like no other because this fine state often enacts laws that are slightly different than what is done in other states.
Our article covers important landlord/tenant topics in an easy-to-understand way so there’s a clear path to find the best tenants to live in your rental property.
Here are just a few of the topics:
Wisconsin laws are in place to protect both landlords and tenants, particularly when it comes to screening.
Here are a few important points you should know as a Wisconsin landlord.
Remember that application fees are non-refundable and are definitely separate from the security deposit.
All these details and more can be found in this helpful Wisconsin landlord/tenant guide here.
Wisconsin landlords like you can definitely run a background check on applicants but only if they have given you signed consent.
In other words, unless you have a space for a signature on your rental application forms, you won’t have permission to do the background check. If your application doesn’t have it now, you’d better add it.
Take a look at the language from one of our forms at RentPrep.
The top arrow shows applicants that the fee is non-refundable.
The lower arrow asks the applicant for a signature to give consent to run a background check.
These free forms and resources will help you find the best possible tenant for your rental.
*Have you tried the “No Blank Space” screening tactic with your rental applications? It’s simple–you just don’t accept any applications that have a blank space for an answer. This helps eliminate anyone with something to hide who thinks that if they don’t answer a question, the landlord won’t follow up. It eliminates a lot of hassle this way.
If you haven’t already, you need to write up a list of screening criteria, preferably one for every rental property.
Generally, screening criteria focuses on issues like this:
You can include as many realistic features as you want, but always make sure this screening criteria list, your marketing efforts and your screening process never discriminate against a protected classes. Of course, you can see how this is defined by checking out hud.gov.
The first step in protecting your business from a discrimination lawsuit is to create a written list of fair screening criteria.
For second step, apply that criteria consistently to every application. Never make exceptions to that list, not even on a case-by-case scenario. In other words, you you could be seen as discriminating in favor or against an applicant. When fairly applied, screening criteria can make things very easy.
Of course, the Wisconsin tenant screening process affects landlords and tenants, so it’s a good idea to review now and then.
Check out the state guide for more details on this.
With your best applications in hand, it’s time to find the right screening service. Getting a proper background check on each one will put you one step closer to the ideal tenant.
Make sure the screening service includes the following items:
Don’t ever rent to a tenant based only on your instincts. Instead, rely on facts to make a decision.
We recommend our services here at RentPrep, where we’ve worked with over 21,000 landlords over the past 10 years.
Check out our tenant screening packages to see the services we offer.
Our FCRA certified screeners will put your mind at ease by providing the best tenant screening report available.
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