Choosing the wrong tenant is the single biggest financial risk for self-managed landlords. The right tenant screening process reduces this risk significantly — and modern screening software makes professional-grade checks accessible to landlords managing their own properties.
What Tenant Screening Should Cover
| Check Type | What It Reveals | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Identity verification | Confirms applicant is who they say they are | Driver licence + Medicare card, 100 points |
| Rental history | Previous evictions, bond disputes, VCAT orders | TICA, NTD, or Equifax tenant database |
| Income verification | Can they afford the rent (rent should be less than 30% of income) | Last 3 payslips + employment contract |
| Employment check | Stable employment, not probationary | Contact employer directly |
| Reference checks | Previous landlord experience | Call previous landlord (not just the applicant’s friend) |
| Credit check | Defaults, bankruptcies, court judgements | Equifax or illion (was Dun and Bradstreet) |
Top Tenant Screening Platforms in Australia 2026
| Platform | Best For | Price Per Check | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| TICA | Tenancy database checks | $10-$18 | National tenancy blacklist database |
| Equifax Tenant Check | Full credit + tenancy check | $25-$45 | Credit score plus TICA data |
| Snug | Online application management | Free for landlords | Digital applications, reference automation |
| 1Form (REA) | Application collection | Free for landlords | Integration with REA listings |
The Self-Managed Landlord Screening Process
- List the property and collect applications via Snug or 1Form
- Shortlist based on income-to-rent ratio (rent less than 30% of gross income)
- Run TICA or Equifax check on shortlisted applicants
- Call previous landlord directly (verify the number independently)
- Verify employment by calling HR or payroll directly
- Conduct property inspection with shortlisted applicants
- Make decision and issue tenancy agreement
Manage Your Tenants and Portfolio
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