Tenant Screening Protections Implementation Starter Kit

What are Tenant Screening Protections?

Widespread screening technologies and practices—such as algorithmic risk scores and outright bans against people with eviction filings and other histories—create a massive web of barriers to housing. These hurdles make an increasingly costly housing market even harder to access, especially for low-income, Black and Brown households with an eviction record.

Designed to reduce discriminatory barriers to housing, tenant screening protections are laws, regulations, or policies that restrict how prospective tenants’ rental applications can be evaluated. These protections limit the use of information like criminal records, eviction records, or credit history, none of which reliably predict a household's ability to pay their rent.

What is this resource and who is it for?

This toolkit includes a collection of foundational resources (tools, templates, and step-by-step guidance) to begin implementing tenant screening protections in your community. It is designed for state and local government staff (such as housing program managers), judicial administrators and staff, advocates, organizers, legal service providers, and consumer advocates committed to advancing fair tenant screening practices and eliminating eviction-based barriers to housing. Please download or save a copy of this document for your team and partners to use.

How was this resource developed?

Results for America (RFA), along with PolicyLink, the National Consumer Law Center, the National Housing Law Project, TechEquity, and Upturn, developed these resources as part of an eight-week virtual learning program called a Solutions Sprint designed to help communities across the country design and implement policies that prevent the harms of eviction records and tenant screening practices.

Each Solutions Sprint offers an opportunity to connect with partners across sectors, gain insights from experts and case studies, and leave equipped with the tools to drive impact in your jurisdiction. Find more information about Solutions Sprints, including a calendar of events, on RFA’s website.

Where can I find more information?

Learn more about housing stability and displacement prevention here. Contact [email protected] with questions or for additional support.