When it comes to screening applicants, most landlords and hiring managers start with the basics—credit scores, background checks, and employment verification. But while these remain essential, they don’t tell the whole story about whether someone will be a reliable tenant or employee.
RentRedi, the fastest-growing DIY landlord software, teamed up with BiggerPockets, the largest online community for real estate investors, for a new survey which shows just how much weight landlords put on certain screening tools. Of the 2,100 BiggerPockets members surveyed between April 4–14, nearly half (47%) said background checks were the most important factor in evaluating a tenant. A third ranked references from previous landlords as their top priority, while fewer than one in five pointed to credit scores. About 1 in 10 said paystub history was most important.
These findings reveal two key trends: background checks remain the cornerstone of tenant screening, but many landlords are looking beyond credit reports to get a more complete picture of an applicant’s reliability. That insight aligns with what we’ve seen in employment screening as well—where soft skills, workplace culture fit, and ongoing monitoring matter just as much as financial history.
Here are five lesser-known indicators that can help landlords make smarter, more balanced decisions.
1. Rental History Patterns
A strong rental history can often outweigh an average credit score. Look for signs of consistency—timely rent payments, longer stays at each property, and respectful treatment of the unit. These patterns suggest stability and responsibility, which are especially valuable in today’s rental market where turnover costs are high.
2. Social Media Behavior
For employers, social media can be a window into professionalism and judgment. For landlords, it can sometimes provide additional context, such as whether an applicant frequently posts about housing conflicts or disruptive behavior. Used responsibly and within legal guidelines, social media checks can highlight potential red flags—or reassure you about an applicant’s character.
3. Rent-Payment Reporting
Digital rent payments are on the rise, and many platforms now allow landlords to report on-time payments to credit bureaus. This can be especially helpful when screening applicants with “thin” credit files. A verified record of consistent rent payments may be a better predictor of reliability than a traditional credit score alone.
4. References That Go Beyond the Basics
It’s not enough to simply check the box on references. A meaningful conversation with a past landlord or employer can reveal how an applicant handles conflict, communicates during challenges, or respects rules. These insights are more valuable than a short “yes, they paid rent” or “yes, they worked here.”
5. Workplace or Community Fit
For employers, a new hire who aligns with company culture is more likely to succeed long-term. Similarly, landlords benefit from tenants who fit well within a property’s community—respecting neighbors, following policies, and contributing to a positive living environment. This “fit factor” isn’t always visible in traditional screening but can make a big difference over time.
Why This Matters in 2025
The RentRedi and BiggerPockets survey shows that landlords are already expanding their focus—prioritizing background checks and references over credit scores. The shift reflects a growing recognition that reliability can’t always be captured in a three-digit number.
For employers, the same lesson applies. Credit reports and resumes offer valuable information, but digging deeper into history, behavior, and fit often reveals the true picture of how someone will perform.
The Bottom Line
Credit scores and background checks are foundational tools, but they’re not the whole story. By layering in factors like rental history patterns, verified rent-payment reporting, and detailed references, landlords and employers can reduce risk while identifying applicants who will be reliable long-term.
At ZipReports, we help clients go beyond the basics. With customizable screening solutions for both tenant and employment checks, we make it easy to gather the insights that matter most—so you can make smarter, fairer decisions.
Ready to strengthen your screening process? Learn more about our tenant and employment screening services here
