Evictions, Security Deposits, and Tenant Screening: What Landlords Need to Know

For landlords, evictions and security deposits are two of the most crucial aspects of rental property management. An eviction can be a costly and time-consuming process, and security deposits often fail to cover the full extent of property damage or unpaid rent. This makes thorough tenant screening online essential for risk reduction.

Many landlords underestimate the importance of an eviction check for tenants free before signing a lease. By screening rental history, eviction records, and financial stability, landlords can avoid high-risk tenants and protect their investment.

This article will explore how evictions impact security deposits, why tenant screening is crucial before leasing, and how LeaseRunner’s tenant screening online services can help landlords minimize financial risks.

How Evictions Impact Security Deposits

1. Evicted Tenants Often Leave Behind Property Damage

When a tenant is evicted, they rarely leave the rental in good condition. In many cases, landlords find:

• Excessive property damage (broken doors, holes in walls, damaged flooring)
• Abandoned personal belongings, requiring costly cleanups
• Unpaid utility bills, leading to service disruptions and additional landlord expenses

Security deposits are meant to cover minor damages, but an evicted tenant’s reckless departure often leaves landlords paying thousands out of pocket.

2. Unpaid Rent & Legal Costs Add to the Financial Burden

An eviction isn’t just about kicking out a tenant—it’s a legal process that involves court fees, attorney expenses, and lost rental income. A security deposit rarely covers:

• Months of unpaid rent leading up to eviction
• Legal costs for filing and enforcing the eviction
• Lost income while the unit remains vacant and undergoing repairs

3. Long-Term Property Depreciation from Evictions

Repeated evictions at a rental property increase maintenance costs and hurt the property's long-term value. Each eviction:

• Shortens the lifespan of appliances, flooring, and fixtures
• Requires frequent and costly renovations
• Increases vacancy periods, reducing overall profitability

By conducting eviction screenings, landlords can prevent financial losses and protect their rental properties from unnecessary wear and tear.

The Importance of an Eviction Check for Tenants Free Before Leasing

1. Past Evictions Are Strong Indicators of Future Risk

A tenant with one or more prior evictions is far more likely to repeat the same behavior in a new rental. An eviction check reveals:

• Whether a tenant has a history of non-payment
• If they have violated lease terms in the past
• Any property damage or lease disputes reported by previous landlords

2. Eviction Screening Protects Landlords from High-Risk Tenants

Many landlords assume a credit check is enough, but it doesn’t tell the full story. A tenant can have decent credit but still have a history of:

• Skipping rent payments
• Ignoring lease responsibilities
• Causing property damage leading to eviction

A tenant screening online process that includes an eviction check provides a full picture of a tenant’s rental behavior, ensuring landlords make informed decisions before leasing.

3. Security Deposits Can Be Adjusted Based on Screening Results

By reviewing a tenant’s eviction history and rental track record, landlords can:

• Set higher security deposits for higher-risk tenants
• Offer lower deposits for tenants with clean rental histories
• Include stricter lease agreements to prevent payment delays

How LeaseRunner’s Tenant Screening Online Reduces Risk for Landlords

1. Comprehensive Tenant Screening Reports

LeaseRunner offers detailed tenant background reports, including:

• Eviction records to check for past rental disputes
• Credit history reports to assess financial responsibility
• Rental history verification to confirm landlord references

2. Fast and Reliable Online Screening

With instant online reports, landlords can:

• Receive tenant screening results quickly
• Identify high-risk applicants before lease signing
• Reduce legal and maintenance costs by selecting responsible renters

3. Pay-As-You-Go Pricing for Landlords

Unlike subscription-based services, LeaseRunner allows landlords to pay only for the reports they need, making it a cost-effective solution for screening tenants.

How to Minimize Lease Risks & Protect Security Deposits

1. Always Require a Tenant Screening Before Leasing

Skipping tenant screening online increases the risk of:

• Unpaid rent and legal fees
• Property damage beyond the security deposit
• Costly evictions and high turnover rates

By using a comprehensive screening process, landlords can filter out high-risk applicants and choose financially responsible tenants.

2. Set Clear Lease Terms for Security Deposits

A lease agreement should clearly outline:

• What the security deposit covers (damages, unpaid rent, cleaning fees)
• The process for deposit deductions
• How the deposit refund is handled upon move-out

This prevents disputes and ensures both parties understand their responsibilities.

3. Adjust Security Deposits Based on Tenant Risk

Not all tenants are the same. Landlords can use eviction history and rental reports to determine:

• Standard deposit amounts for responsible renters
• Higher deposits for tenants with rental history concerns
• Additional lease clauses for high-risk applicants

Final Thoughts: Tenant Screening Is Key to Security Deposit Protection

Evictions can lead to significant financial losses, and security deposits alone aren’t enough to cover the full impact. By conducting an eviction check for tenants free before leasing, landlords can:

• Identify high-risk applicants before they cause damage
• Set appropriate security deposits based on rental history
• Avoid the legal and financial burden of eviction disputes

With LeaseRunner’s tenant screening online, landlords can protect their investments, reduce lease risks, and secure responsible tenants.