[header] How to screen tenants [title] Pre screen before handing out the application. [step] Before you even give out the application, or invite people to see the place you're renting, do a prescreening over the phone. This is an easy way to eliminate the people for whom the property just isn't right for whatever reason. 
Prescreening will save both you and the applicants time and money, since you won't have to bother doing credit and background checks. [substeps] Ask up front to make sure all your basic qualifications with regards to pets, smoking, and so on are met.