Before renting out an apartment or rental unit, most  landlords screen applicants in order to choose tenants who  can afford to pay the rent, will keep the place in good shape, and not cause any problems (such as  paying rent late or regularly making excessive noise).  As part of tenant screening (sometimes called background screening), landlords typically require prospective tenants to:

1) Complete a rental application (including identifying information, such as the applicant’s Social Security number;  rental and employment history; income; and other background information).

2) Authorize the landlord to run a credit credit  (providing detailed credit history, including recent bankruptcies or evictions).

3)  Supply references from previous landlords.