Tenant Screening

Selecting the right tenant is your most important decision as a landlord. Follow these guidelines to screen effectively while staying fully compliant with fair housing laws.

Fair Housing Laws Apply to ALL Screening

Federal, state, and Pittsburgh local law prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and source of income. Apply the same criteria to every applicant. Violations can result in lawsuits, fines up to $100,000+, and criminal penalties.

Screening Best Practices

Rental Application

Collect consistent information from all applicants: employment, income, rental history, references, and consent for background/credit checks.

Use the same application form for every applicant

Charge a reasonable, non-refundable application fee (typically $25–$50)

Disclose your screening criteria in writing upfront

Credit & Background Checks

Run credit reports and criminal background checks through a reputable screening service. Follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Obtain written consent before pulling credit

If you deny based on credit, you must send an Adverse Action Notice with the credit bureau name

Consider the whole picture — a low score alone may not tell the full story

Income Verification

Standard practice is to require income of 2.5–3x the monthly rent. Verify with pay stubs, tax returns, or employer letter.

Accept multiple income sources (wages, self-employment, benefits, alimony)

Section 8 vouchers: you cannot refuse solely because income comes from housing assistance in Pittsburgh

Document your income threshold and apply it consistently

Fair Housing Compliance

You may NOT discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or source of income (in Pittsburgh).

Authority: Fair Housing Act + PA Human Relations Act + Pittsburgh Code § 651

Apply the same criteria to every applicant without exception

Avoid questions about family status, disability, or national origin

Document your decision-making criteria and keep records for 3+ years

Pittsburgh adds protections for source of income (including Section 8 vouchers)

Prior Eviction History

You may consider prior evictions, but context matters. A single past eviction during a pandemic may be viewed differently by courts.

Look at the outcome — was the tenant or landlord found at fault?

Consider how long ago the eviction occurred

Document your eviction-history policy and apply it consistently

Protected Classes in Pittsburgh

Race & Color

Religion

Sex & Gender Identity

National Origin

Disability

Familial Status

Sexual Orientation

Age (40+)

Source of Income

Ancestry

Marital Status

Use of Guide Animal

Sources: Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601), PA Human Relations Act (43 P.S. § 951), Pittsburgh Code § 651

Need Compliant Screening Documents?

Our attorney-drafted rental applications and screening criteria documents help you screen tenants legally and consistently.

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