Why DIY Tenant Screening Is Costing Maryland Landlords Thousands

Many landlords believe that finding a “good tenant” is as simple as reviewing an application and trusting their instincts. Unfortunately, in the property management world, instincts alone can be expensive.

In Maryland counties like Anne Arundel, PG County, and Howard County, where rental demand is high but regulations are strict, poor tenant screening is one of the top reasons landlords face:

• Late payments

• Property damage

• Evictions

• Court fees

• Long vacancies

• Stressful tenant interactions

What seems like a small mistake in the screening process can turn into a major financial setback.

The Pain Point: Unqualified Tenants Slipping Through the Cracks

Many self-managing landlords struggle because:

• They use free or incomplete background checks

• They skip employment verification

• They don’t check rental history thoroughly

• They use outdated or non-compliant applications

• They feel pressured to fill vacancies quickly

The result?
A tenant who looked great on paper, but becomes unreliable once they move in.

In counties like Prince George’s, where landlord-tenant rules are strict and eviction timelines can be lengthy, a poorly screened tenant can cost months of lost rent.

The True Cost of a Bad Tenant

A single bad tenant can easily cost a Maryland landlord thousands.

Consider the potential expenses:

• Missed rent: $1,500–$2,500 per month depending on the county

• Property repairs: $500–$5,000 or more

• Legal fees: $200–$1,000+

• Court delays: weeks of additional loss

• New tenant acquisition: marketing + cleaning + turnover costs

And Maryland’s tenant-rights focused environment can make the process even longer and more complex.

For landlords in Howard County or Anne Arundel County, protecting your rental from the start is the smartest investment you can make.

Why Professional Screening Works

At TBM Property Management, we see the difference every day between landlords who screen casually and those who screen professionally.

Our screening process includes:

✔ Full credit reports
✔ Criminal history (where legally allowed)
✔ Employment & income verification
✔ Previous landlord references
✔ Rental history & eviction checks
✔ Thorough application analysis
✔ Compliance with Maryland and county housing laws

This level of detail drastically reduces the risk of late payments, property damage, or eviction.

In markets like PG County where compliance is essential, professional screening isn’t just helpful. It’s critical.

Protect Your Property And Your Peace of Mind

Whether you own a single-family home in Anne Arundel, a townhouse in Howard County, or a multi-unit in Prince George’s County, proper tenant screening is the foundation of a successful rental.

Skipping steps may save time today, but it can cost far more in the long run.

Let TBM Property Management Handle the Hard Part

If you’re tired of guessing who to trust with your property or you’ve already dealt with a tough tenant, our team is here to help.

We provide Maryland landlords with:

• Reliable, compliant tenant screening

• Faster leasing

• Reduced vacancy time

• Peace of mind knowing your investment is protected

Contact TBM Property Management or visit www.tbmpropmanagement.com today and let us handle your tenant screening and full property management needs.