Mindset Shift: From "Assuming Good Faith" to "Trust, but Verify"

When you're trying to fill a vacancy, it’s tempting to rely on first impressions: someone seems friendly, says all the right things, and promises they’ll be a great tenant. But fair housing laws, risk management, and hard-earned experience all point to the same truth: your instincts are not a defense if something goes wrong.

Many owners start out assuming that prospective tenants and current renters will be honest about their income, employment, household makeup, or intentions. Unfortunately, relying solely on trust can lead to costly mistakes — like unpaid rent, unauthorized occupants, or misunderstandings about lease terms.

A legally smart owner doesn't stop trusting — but takes steps to verify.
Professional rental housing providers:

• Require complete applications and run verifications (income, employment, rental history)

• Request documentation — and compare it against what's stated on the application

• Maintain a written screening policy that is applied consistently to all applicants

• Document approvals or denials clearly and neutrally

A written screening policy is your best protection.
It ensures that every applicant is evaluated consistently, fairly, and legally — not based on gut feelings, but on objective, defensible criteria.

Make it easy on yourself:

• Always maintain a written screening policy that you follow for every applicant.

• BPOA members have access to customizable Screening Criteria Guidance to help build a compliant policy that fits their needs.

• Use trusted tools like Intellirent, BPOA’s partner for online rental applications and resident screening, to process applications securely and systematically.

Bottom line:
Fair and consistent processes protect you — not friendly conversations.

Pro Tip:
Even if you’re renting to someone referred by a friend or a current tenant, always have them apply and be screened according to your written criteria. Skipping screening “just this once” can expose you to claims of discrimination.

If you don't already have a written screening policy:
Don’t worry — BPOA makes it easy. Download our Screening Criteria Guidance document, customize it for your property, and start using it immediately. Taking this small step now can prevent big problems later.

Trust helps you build a good relationship.
Verification protects your business, your property, and your ability to provide housing for years to come.