We understand that pre-screening is an essential step in the rental process as it allows landlords to identify potential red flags and narrow down their search to serious candidates.
TurboTenant's free pre-screener involves asking potential renters to fill out a questionnaire form, which includes information about their employment, monthly income, estimated credit score, number of occupants, pets, and more! Continue reading to see how this works!
Basic customization options for pre-screeners are free, but advanced customization requires a TurboTenant Pro Plan.
What is a Pre-Screener or Pre-Screening Rental Application?
A pre-screener or pre-screening rental application is a short questionnaire that can help you learn more about your potential renter and whether or not they will qualify for your property. When you turn on marketing, TurboTenant will automatically send a pre-screener to each lead who fills out a contact form for your property.
Additionally, renters must have a valid email address to complete the pre-screener through TurboTenant.
You can also send a pre-screener manually within your account by going to the Leads tab or the Properties tab and clicking on the property you want to screen the lead for.
Steps for Landlords to Resend Pre-Screeners
If a lead has not completed the pre-screener after you’ve replied to their message, follow these steps:
Go to the "Leads" section in your TurboTenant account.
Open the lead’s profile.
Use the "Actions" menu to resend the pre-screener.
Message the lead to inform them that you’ve resent the pre-screener.
Once the pre-screener is completed, review the lead’s details (e.g., income, pets, credit, desired move-in date).
If the lead seems like a good fit, click "Invite to Apply" to send the full rental application.
Use the Properties tab if you wish to copy and share the pre-screener link externally.
For step-by-step instructions on sending the pre-screener to a lead, click here.
To customize your pre-screener questions, click here.
What Does the Pre-Screener Ask?
In the pre-screener, your lead is asked about:
Financial Details --> Employment Status
Monthly Income
Self-Reported Credit Score
Move-in Information
Pets
Smoking
Contact Details
Once the renter completes the questionnaire, we will send you an email letting you know so you can review their information.
You can evaluate the leads when they've completed the pre-screener. Click here to learn more. If they seem like they could be a good fit, feel free to move forward with them - whether that is inviting them to see the rental or having them fill out a rental application.
You’ll be able to assess different leads faster than ever, making sure you don’t waste your time on any renters who might not be a good fit from the beginning.
Troubleshooting Pre-Screener Issues
1. Pre-Screener Disappears After Sending an Invitation to Apply
When you send an invitation to apply, the pre-screener for that lead is automatically removed. The information provided in the pre-screener will still be accessible alongside the full application once the renter completes this step.
2. Email Address Requirement for Renters
If your lead originates from a third-party platform like Zillow, ensure the renter has an email address, as TurboTenant needs it to process and complete pre-screeners transparently.
How does the Pre-Screener differ from the Rental Application?
The pre-screener is a short, free questionnaire that renters can fill out in a couple of minutes. It gives you basic information about each lead to help you quickly weed out anyone who might not be a good fit.
However, the pre-screener is not a substitute for a rental application. TurboTenant’s Online Rental Application is an extensive set of questions that gather all the industry-standard information you need to make a good decision. It is perfect for each renter you are highly considering renting to.
Our rental application asks about:
Rental History
Specific employment details
Proof of Income (uploading a bank statement or paystub)
Pet and vehicle details
Along with our thorough credit, criminal, and eviction report, the rental application will help you rest easy knowing you’re renting to the right tenant.
Verify the applicant's income and detect document fraud with Snappt, TurboTenant's income verification tool. Snappt analyzes uploaded pay stubs, bank statements, and other income documents — and flags fraudulent files. For best results, applicants should submit at least two consecutive pay stubs covering 28 or more days. Learn more here.