Not every property owner wants, or needs, full property management services. Some landlords prefer to stay hands-on but still want professional support where it matters most: finding the right tenant and screening them properly.
If that sounds like you, tenant placement and screening services can be the perfect middle ground.
At E&I Real Estate, we work with many owners who manage their own rentals but want expert help upfront to avoid costly mistakes later.
What are Tenant Placement & Tenant Screening Services
(Without Property Management)
Tenant placement is a one-time service designed for landlords who plan to self-manage their rental but want a professional to:
Market the property: Create a compelling listing with professional photos, accurate pricing, and exposure across major rental platforms to attract qualified applicants quickly.
Handle inquiries and showings: Respond promptly to prospective tenants, answering questions clearly, and coordinating property showings to ensure serious interest while saving you time.
Screen applicants thoroughly: Use consistent criteria that include credit history, income verification, rental history, and background checks to reduce risk and protect your investment.
Help select a qualified tenant: Review application results with you, explaining any potential concerns, and recommending the strongest candidate based on experience, not guesswork.
Once the tenant is placed, management stays in your hands, unless you decide later that you’d like ongoing support.
Why Tenant Screening is the Most Important Step
A poorly screened tenant can cost far more than a management fee.
Professional tenant screening typically includes:
Credit history review: Evaluate an applicant’s payment patterns, outstanding debt, and overall financial responsibility to help predict their ability to pay rent consistently.
Criminal background checks: Help identify relevant criminal history while remaining compliant with fair housing laws and avoiding discriminatory screening practices.
Eviction history search: Uncover past evictions or landlord filings that may indicate recurring lease violations or payment issues.
Income verification: Confirm that an applicant’s earnings meet rent-to-income requirements through pay stubs, employment verification, or supporting financial documentation.
Rental history & landlord references: Provide insight into how the applicant maintained previous properties, communicated with landlords, and followed lease terms.
This process helps identify red flags before a lease is signed, something many DIY landlords unintentionally overlook.
Who This Service Is Perfect For
Tenant placement and screening services are ideal if you:
Own one or two rental properties
Live nearby and want to self-manage
Have had a bad tenant experience in the past
Are renting out a home for the first time
Want professional screening without a long-term contract
It’s also popular with owners who are testing the rental market before deciding on full property management later.
What We Can Help With (Even If You Self-Manage)
Even without ongoing management, we can support you with:
Rental price guidance
Lease structure recommendations
Fair housing compliance basics
Move-in best practices
General landlord advice
Many clients start with tenant placement and eventually transition to full management once they see the value of professional oversight.
The Hidden Risk of “Doing It All Yourself”
Online listing sites make renting look easy—but they don’t protect you from:
- Incomplete background checks
Fraudulent applications
Inconsistent screening criteria
Fair housing violations
Emotion-based tenant decisions
Having a neutral, experienced third party handle screening removes bias and protects you legally and financially.
Thinking About Tenant Placement?
If you don’t want full property management but want professional help finding and screening a tenant, this service may be exactly what you’re looking for.
We’re happy to step in where you need us and step back when you don’t
If you own a rental property in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Buckeye, Avondale, Goodyear, or Tolleson, E&I Real Estate & Property Management can help you find that perfect tenant.