Tenant Screening 101: The $5,000 Mistake and a Tenant with $800,000 in Stolen Funds

In this episode of The Real Estate Connector, host Kathy Wright shares the shocking real-life consequences of poor tenant screening — including how one oversight led to over $5,000 in damages, and another tenant ended up under investigation by the Secret Service for stolen funds.

Kathy breaks down the five key components of an effective screening process, offers real-world examples of red flags, and explains how to legally and consistently vet applicants in accordance with South Carolina’s fair housing laws.

Whether you're a new landlord or a seasoned investor, this episode gives you the tools to protect your property, your peace of mind, and your bottom line.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• Income, credit, background, and landlord reference checks
• Why gut feelings aren't enough
• Tools and templates Kathy uses to streamline screening
• Real case studies — both good and bad
• South Carolina-specific screening legal tips

💡 “Screening is your first line of defense — get it right from the start.” – Kathy Wright