Direct answer
What does tenant screening mean?
Tenant screening is a consistent process for evaluating rental applicants using lawful, relevant criteria.
Exam cue: Apply the same published standards to comparable applicants and account lawfully for protected income and fair housing requirements.
What does it look like in a question?
Example
A manager uses the same documented income, credit and rental-history process for each applicant.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
Screening discretion does not permit protected-class preferences or special hurdles for voucher users.
Related property management terms
Capital improvementA capital improvement is a major addition or replacement that extends a property's useful life, adds value or adapts it to a new use.EvictionEviction is a legal process used to recover possession from a tenant under applicable grounds and court procedures.Management agreementA management agreement is a contract authorizing a property manager to perform stated services for an owner.Operating budgetAn operating budget is a plan of expected property income and operating expenses for a future period.Preventive maintenancePreventive maintenance is planned inspection and service intended to reduce breakdowns, hazards and more costly repairs.Reserve fundA reserve fund is money set aside for future major repairs, replacements, emergencies or other planned property needs.
Sources used3 references with section locators
The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself.
- Real Estate Salesperson 77-Hour CurriculumNew York State Department of StateSupports: Exam scopeSection: Subject 19, Property Management
- A Basic Guide to Fair Housing Under the New York State Human Rights LawNew York State Division of Human RightsSupports: New York ruleSection: New York protected characteristics and prohibited practices
- Guidance on Protections from Source of Income Discrimination in HousingNew York State Division of Human RightsSupports: New York ruleSection: Ability-to-pay screening and housing vouchers
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Put the term back into its full subject.
A definition helps with recall. The subject guide shows how the rule interacts with documents, scenarios, calculations and practice questions.