Let's follow the situation of a landlord who first rented out a two-bedroom condo in El Paso. The first inquiry came from someone who signed the lease without a credit check or verifying previous rental history. By the third month, the rent started to fall behind, and it was later discovered that there was a similar history of late payments at their previous residence. This was a case where skipping the screening process had a bigger cost than expected.

Looking at it in reverse order, the first thing to do is set the rent according to the market rate. According to RentCafe data, the average rent for apartments in El Paso is $1,106 per month (as of April 2026), with one-bedroom units around $986. This figure is based on apartment complexes, so if you are renting out a single-family home or townhouse, it's safer to compare it with a few nearby listings. Setting the rent too low will attract many inquiries, but it will be difficult to raise it later, while setting it too high may lead to longer vacancies; both are trade-offs that need to be considered.

When factoring in property taxes, insurance, and repair reserves, the actual amount left in hand is often less than the total rent collected, which is why it's important to look at both the advantages and disadvantages. Focusing solely on rental income and setting the rent unreasonably high compared to the market can be less stable in the long run than consistently filling the property without vacancies.

When listing the property, it's beneficial to clearly state the photos and conditions on online rental platforms. However, if the conditions are too detailed, inquiries may decrease, and if they are too simple, unqualified inquiries may flood in, so balance is necessary. Having proof of employment or pay stubs along with the application makes income verification much easier.

Once inquiries come in, you move to the screening stage. It's advisable to check three basic things: credit score, income verification, and previous rental history. A common standard is to ensure that the income is at least three times the rent. A credit check requires tenant consent, and if multiple applicants are present, keeping a record of the selection criteria can help avoid disputes later. Skipping this step can lead to situations like the one mentioned earlier, which is a clear downside regardless of the advantages.

The lease should specify the rent amount and due date, late payment procedures, security deposit amount and return conditions, repair responsibilities, and the contract duration. It's wise to decide in advance how much the late fee will be and whether to charge an additional deposit if pets are allowed. In Texas, there is no cap on the amount of the security deposit, which is advantageous for landlords, but tenants must be sent a full refund or an itemized statement within 30 days of notifying their new address, which can be a burden. Missing this deadline results in losing the right to deduct, and if deemed improper retention, landlords may have to pay up to three times the amount and attorney fees.

If rent is overdue and there is no separate period specified in the lease, you must first send a written notice to vacate at least three days in advance before filing an eviction lawsuit in court. Changing locks or removing belongings without consent is not allowed.

On the move-in day, it's a good idea to create a move-in checklist with the tenant that documents the condition of the home with photos. Keeping a record of the wallpaper, flooring, and appliance conditions can serve as a basis for the security deposit settlement at the end of the lease, reducing disputes. Setting up the method of rent collection through bank transfer or online payment services ensures that payment records are kept, making it easier to verify any late payments later. It's also good to clarify how repair requests will be received and how to contact in emergencies at the beginning of the contract.

Ultimately, the time spent on screening and the effort put into writing a thorough lease is relatively small compared to the time and costs incurred when issues arise later. However, these procedures and regulations can vary by county or individual contract, so it's advisable to check with a real estate professional or attorney before finalizing any agreements.