Top Red Flags to Watch for in Prospective Tenants

27 January 2026

Renting out your property can be a fantastic way to generate passive income, but any seasoned landlord will tell you: not all tenants are created equal. While most people just want a decent place to call home, some renters can turn out to be more trouble than they’re worth. That’s why knowing the red flags in prospective tenants is absolutely crucial.

Think of it like dating—you’re trying to find “the one” to take care of your beloved property. You wouldn't go on a second date with someone who sets off all your alarm bells, right? The same goes for tenants. Let’s dive into the top warning signs you should never ignore when screening someone for your rental.

1. Poor or Incomplete Rental Application

Let’s start with the basics. Every solid tenant begins with a solid application. If the form is incomplete, missing vital information, or filled with vague answers—big red flag. This could mean they’re trying to hide something or just aren’t serious.

Why It Matters:

A sloppy or incomplete application often suggests a lack of responsibility or attention to detail—two traits you definitely want in a tenant. If someone can’t handle filling out a rental form, how can you trust them with rent, utilities, and property care?

What to Look For:

- Missing previous landlords’ contact info
- Gaps in employment or residency without explanation
- Vague or inconsistent answers

2. Eviction History

It may seem obvious, but it’s worth spelling out: if a tenant has been evicted before, take a closer look. One eviction doesn’t mean they’re a nightmare, but you need context. Was it years ago due to a temporary job loss, or was it recent and related to property damage or abuse?

How to Find Out:

Always run a background and credit check. Many online tenant screening tools will flag evictions. Don’t just rely on what they say—verify everything.

Pro Tip: Sometimes evictions don’t show up if they settled in court. That’s why calling past landlords is a step you don’t want to skip.

3. Bad Credit Score

While credit isn’t everything, a super low score can indicate poor financial management, unpaid debts, or more serious issues. It’s not about being judgmental—it’s about minimizing risk.

What’s Considered “Bad”?

Generally, a credit score below 600 could warrant concern. However, context matters here too. A student might have a low score due to lack of credit history. Someone recovering from medical debt might still be financially responsible.

What You Can Do:

Ask for a co-signer, larger deposit, or extra references. If they’re upfront and honest about their situation, it might be worth a pass. But if they're dodging the topic? Move along.

4. Insufficient Income

This one’s pretty straightforward. If their monthly income doesn’t comfortably cover the rent (usually 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent), you’re setting yourself up for payment problems down the line.

Ask Yourself:

- Can they realistically afford this unit?
- Are they stretching their budget too thin?

Always request verifiable proof of income—pay stubs, W-2s, or bank statements. Trust, but verify.

5. Frequent Job Changes

Now, not everyone who switches jobs often is a flake—some industries (like tech or freelancing) breed change. But a pattern of hopping from job to job every few months can indicate instability.

Why That’s a Problem:

Unstable employment often equals unstable income, which, you guessed it, equals rent problems. You want tenants who can commit—not just to your lease, but their overall lifestyle.

6. Unwillingness to Provide References

If a prospective tenant gets cagey when you ask for references, especially from previous landlords, consider it a bright red stop sign. A good tenant should have nothing to hide.

What You Want:

- Landlord references confirming timely rent payments
- Employment references backing up income claims
- Personal references that speak to their character

Be Wary Of:

- “My landlord doesn’t take calls”
- “My last place was with family”
- “That number doesn’t work anymore”

Sure, life is messy, and some of these excuses might be real. But if it feels off, trust your gut.

7. Poor Communication

Communication is key in any relationship—including landlord-tenant. If the applicant is hard to reach, slow to respond, or sends confusing or unprofessional messages, brace yourself. It probably won’t get better after they move in.

The Warning Signs:

- Multiple missed calls or ghosting during the application process
- Vague or unclear answers to simple questions
- Disrespectful or overly demanding tone

Think of it this way—would you want to have to chase them down every time rent is due or there’s a maintenance issue?

8. Trying to Rush the Move-In Process

Ever had someone say, “I need to move in tomorrow”? That sounds like someone running from something—or hiding something.

Red Flag Alert:

- Wants to skip background checks or lease signing
- Comes up with excuses for urgency (divorce, lost job, “my current place is toxic”)

While some emergencies are real, people with nothing to hide will go through the normal process. Trust the timeline. Don’t rush it.

9. Too Many Occupants

You rented your two-bedroom unit to a couple, but suddenly five people are moving in. Not only is it a violation of lease terms, but it’s a wear-and-tear nightmare.

What’s Legal:

Different states have occupancy limits. As a general rule, two people per bedroom is standard.

What to Ask:

- Who exactly will live here?
- Are all occupants over 18?
- Can I meet them before lease signing?

Too many occupants can not only damage your property but also annoy neighbors, trigger HOA violations, and increase your liability.

10. Strange Behavior During the Showing

Trust your instincts. If something feels a little “off” during a showing or interview, it probably is. Maybe they dodge questions, get defensive, or just give you a weird vibe.

Watch for:

- Overly aggressive haggling on rent or terms
- Lack of attention to property details
- Weird comments or overly personal questions

Remember, you’re not just renting a space—you’re potentially entering a 12-month relationship. Make sure it’s one of mutual respect.

11. Too Many Pets (Or Unapproved Ones)

We all love pets, but your lease and insurance policies might not. If a tenant lies about having pets, or shows up with more animals than expected, that’s a red flag.

Consider:

- Are pets allowed in your building/HOA?
- Are their pets well-behaved?
- Did they disclose all of them?

If they’re hiding a kitten now, what else might they hide later?

12. Sketchy Social Media or Online Presence

This might sound intrusive, but checking out a tenant's public social media can give you insight into their lifestyle, cleanliness, or even employment status.

What to Look For:

- Frequent party posts? Risk of noise complaints.
- Complaining about landlords? Red flag.
- Pictures indicating property damage or messy living? Proceed with caution.

We’re not saying to judge—just observe. Patterns speak loudly.

13. History of Legal Issues

Past criminal behavior can be a red flag, depending on the type and severity. A minor misdemeanor from 10 years ago might not be a concern. On the other hand, recent convictions, especially involving violence, theft, or drugs, should raise eyebrows.

Best Practices:

- Use a professional background screening service
- Know your local laws regarding tenant screening and fair housing
- Discuss any concerns openly and fairly

14. They're Evasive About Occupancy Rules

Some tenants don’t plan to follow the rules—right from the start. If they’re asking about subletting, short-term rentals, or “allowing friends to stay a while” even before moving in, pause.

Questions They Might Ask (That Should Make You Wary):

- “Can I Airbnb the spare room?”
- “Is it okay if my cousin crashes here for a few months?”
- “Can I paint the walls and remodel a bit?”

These aren’t deal breakers alone, but they suggest a potential for lease-breaking behavior. Get everything in writing.

15. Gut Feeling—It Matters

At the end of the day, your gut feeling matters. You’ve met people. You know when something feels wrong. Combine that instinct with real data and you’ve got a powerful screening process.

Don’t ignore the red flags just because you’re eager to rent out your space. One bad tenant can cost you thousands in damages, unpaid rent, and legal fees.

Final Thoughts

Finding a great tenant is a bit like finding the perfect roommate mixed with a dependable business partner. You’re not just handing over keys—you’re trusting someone with a piece of your financial future.

By paying close attention to these red flags, asking the right questions, and trusting your instincts, you’ll save yourself a mountain of stress down the road.

Sure, no tenant is perfect. But being proactive means you’re more likely to find someone who treats your property—and your agreement—with the respect it deserves.