What property managers actually check and why it matters

If you’ve ever applied for a rental and wondered what’s actually being reviewed behind the scenes, you’re not alone. Many renters assume property managers are looking for one perfect number or a single red flag that decides everything.

That’s not how it usually works.

In Colorado, tenant screening is made up of a few core checks that help property managers understand risk and fit. None of them tell the full story on their own. And none of them make decisions by themselves.

Let’s break down what property managers actually check, why each piece matters, and how knowing this can help you apply with more confidence.

The big picture: Screening reports inform decisions, they don’t make them

Before we get specific, one important piece of context.

Screening reports provide information. Property managers review that information using their own criteria. The report itself doesn’t approve or deny anyone.

This matters because it explains why two renters with similar backgrounds can get different outcomes at different properties. The checks may be similar, but the standards vary.

Identity verification

This is usually the first step. At Rentell this is the first step, once you have an account we let you look around and understand what we'll be asking. All without paying. Once you pay we'll then verify your identity with an ID scan and selfie. Those images are cross referenced along with all signals and a judgement is made.

Property managers need this step to confirm that the person applying is who they say they are. It may seem odd to you but there is a high-volume of fraud in rental housing, which unfortunately means applications have become harder for well-meaning renters over time.

This step helps prevent fraud and protects everyone involved in the lease.

Identity checks are typically straightforward. They’re about matching basic details, not judging behavior.

If identity information is incorrect or mismatched, it can slow things down. Accuracy here matters more than people realize.

Income verification 

Income verification helps answer a simple question: can the rent be paid consistently?

Property managers may look at:

• Current income

• Employment status

• Income stability over time

There’s no universal rule for how much income is “enough” across the USA. In Colorado a housing provider can legally require a renter to earn up to twice their monthly rent. This specific criteria is known as a rent to income ratio: 2x rent to income is the max in Colorado.

The 2x limit was introduced by Senate Bill 23-184, providing new statewide protections for renters in 2023. Before this housing providers could require that renters earn up to three times their monthly rent. 

Housing providers cannot consider or ask about a person’s income, except to confirm they meet the property’s income requirement. 

It matters that income information is clear, current, and accurate.

Credit history

Credit history is one of the most misunderstood parts of screening.

Property managers aren’t just looking at a score. They often look at patterns, like on time payments or large unpaid balances.

Medical debt, older issues, or one time events don’t always carry the same weight as ongoing problems. Context matters, even if it’s not always explained well.

Credit history is one data point, not a verdict.

Rental history

Rental history shows how someone has rented in the past.

This may include:

• Previous address

• Payment history

• Eviction filings, if any

In Colorado, eviction history usually comes from public court records. Even dismissed cases can appear, which is why accuracy is important.

Property managers often care most about recent history and patterns, not isolated moments from years ago.

Criminal and eviction history, when used

Not every property uses criminal or eviction history in the same way.

When they are reviewed, the focus is usually on relevance and timing. Many property managers weigh how long ago something happened and what’s changed since.

These checks are part of a broader review, not automatic disqualifiers by default.

Why knowing this helps renters

Understanding what property managers actually check can make the process feel less personal and less random.

It also helps renters focus on what they can control:

• Making sure information is accurate

• Preparing documents ahead of time

• Reviewing their own screening data when possible

This is where portable tenant screening reports can help reduce repeat screening fees in Colorado, as long as the report meets legal requirements and is accepted as the screening report. Acceptance of a report is separate from approval of an application, and those steps shouldn’t be confused.]

People also ask: Do all landlords check the same things?

No.

Most property managers check similar categories, but the weight they give each one varies. Some prioritize income. Others focus on rental history or credit patterns.

That’s why outcomes can differ across properties, even with the same application.

What screening doesn’t show

Screening reports don’t show effort, intent, or future plans.

They don’t explain context unless someone asks for it. And they don’t make judgment calls.

That’s why clarity and preparation matter. The better the information, the clearer the review.

Your rights around accuracy

Under federal law, renters have the right to dispute inaccurate information in a consumer report at no cost.

If something looks wrong, outdated, or incomplete, it’s worth addressing. Accuracy protects renters and property managers alike.

Disputes follow a defined process and timeline, as required by law.

Property managers aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for clarity and consistency.

They check identity, income, credit, and rental history to understand risk and fit. Screening reports provide the information. Property managers make the decision.

When renters understand what’s actually being reviewed, the process feels less opaque and a lot more manageable.