5 Signs of a Bad Tenant You Should Never Ignore

By PropsManager Team | Dec 17, 2025

5 Signs of a Bad Tenant You Should Never Ignore

Screening tenants is about risk management. While most people are honest, missing the warning signs of a "professional tenant" or someone who will cause headaches can be expensive.

1. They Are in a Huge Rush to Move In

If a prospect needs to move in "tomorrow" or "immediately," ask why. While legitimate emergencies happen, this is often a sign they are being evicted or have poor planning skills.

2. Incomplete Application

Leaving sections blank, especially regarding employment or rental history, is a major red flag. It often means they are hiding something.

3. Badmouthing Previous Landlords

If they complain endlessly about their current or past landlords, chances are you will be next. A pattern of conflict usually follows the tenant, not the landlord.

4. Negotiating the Rent or Deposit Upfront

If they are already trying to haggle on the security deposit or first month's rent before they've even signed the lease, they likely can't afford the property or will be difficult to collect from later.

5. Poor Credit or Eviction History

Past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. A history of evictions or chronic late payments is a sign you should probably pass.

Conclusion

Trust your screening process. If something feels off, investigate further. Using a platform like PropsManager helps standardize your screening to catch these red flags objectively.