Screening renters the right way (and what Month ‘n’ More does not do)

When a renter messages you about a month-long stay, it’s natural to want to know more about them before you hand over keys. Screening is part of being a thoughtful owner. Here’s the honest picture of what Month ‘n’ More does and doesn’t do, and how to screen in a way that’s consistent, fair and kind.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fair housing and screening rules vary by state and city, so check what applies to you or talk with a qualified professional.

What Month ‘n’ More does not do

Let’s be clear up front:

• We don’t screen renters. Month ‘n’ More isn’t a tenant screening company or a consumer reporting agency.
• We don’t run background, credit, eviction or criminal checks, and we don’t provide screening reports.
• We don’t ID-check renters. Renters can sign up without an ID. On Month ‘n’ More, verified always refers to the owner, who completes a live photo ID and selfie check.
• We don’t process rent or deposits. Leases, deposits and payments are arranged directly between you and your renter.

If you choose to screen, you do it outside the platform, and you’re responsible for doing it lawfully. That includes federal, state and local fair housing laws and, if you use consumer reports, the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

What Month ‘n’ More does do

• Owner ID checks. Every owner completes a live ID check before listing, renewed every six months. See why we ask and how it works.
• Listing review. Every listing is reviewed by our team before it’s public.
• Direct messaging. You can read each renter’s message, ask your own questions and decide whether the stay is right for you before you agree to anything.
• Reporting and blocking. You can report a conversation or block a user, and contact support if something raises a concern.

Start with written criteria

The fairest screening starts before the first message. Write down what you need from every renter, then apply it the same way each time. For example:

• Move-in date and length of stay that fit your calendar
• Number of occupants within your maximum
• Ability to pay the monthly rent and deposit you’ve listed
• Agreement to your house rules, pet policy and building rules
• A signed written rental agreement

Keep your criteria about the stay and the home, not the person. If you’d like help putting rules into words, see our guide to writing clear house rules.

Treat every renter the same way

Consistency is the heart of fair screening:

• Ask every renter the same core questions.
• Use the same steps in the same order for everyone who gets to that stage.
• Apply the same standards when you decide.
• Keep notes on what you asked, what you decided and why.

If you use a third-party screening service outside Month ‘n’ More, use it for every applicant who reaches the same stage, follow its rules for consent and disclosure, and make your decision using your written criteria.

Fair housing basics

Under the federal Fair Housing Act, you can’t refuse to rent, set different terms or prices, steer, or make discriminatory statements because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), familial status or disability. Many states and cities add more protected characteristics, such as age, marital status, military or veteran status, or source of income.

In practice, that means:

• Describe the home, not the person you want. Phrases like “no children,” “adults only” or “perfect for a single professional” aren’t allowed in listings, rules or messages. Lawful housing for older persons is a narrow exception.
• Don’t ask about protected characteristics. Ask about the stay, not someone’s background.
• Consider reasonable accommodations. A no-pets policy doesn’t by itself let you refuse an assistance animal where the law requires an accommodation.
• Check any exemption carefully. Some laws have narrow exemptions, for example for certain owner-occupied homes or shared spaces. If you think one applies, confirm it. The ban on discriminatory advertising may still apply.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has plain-language fair housing information, and your state or local fair housing agency can help with local rules.

Questions you can ask any renter

Good questions are about the stay itself:

• What dates are you looking for, and how firm are they?
• How many people will be staying?
• Will any pets or assistance animals be staying with you?
• Have you read the house rules, and do they work for you?
• Are you comfortable signing a written rental agreement and paying the listed deposit?
• Would you like a live video tour before deciding?

For the renter’s side of that first conversation, see questions to ask before choosing a stay.

Protect yourself too

Screening goes both ways. A few owner-side safety habits:

• Keep early conversations in Month ‘n’ More messages.
• Never ask for, or share, passwords, sign-in codes, full bank or card numbers, or Social Security numbers in messages.
• Be cautious with overpayment offers or requests to refund the difference.
• Put the rent, deposit, dates and refund terms in a written agreement before move-in.
• Keep records of payments and receipts.

Our guide to security deposits for monthly rentals covers deposits in more depth.

A simple screening flow

1. Read the message. Does the stay fit your dates, occupancy and rules?
2. Reply with your standard questions. Same questions for everyone.
3. Offer a live video tour or visit.
4. Apply your written criteria. Plus any outside screening you choose, done consistently and lawfully.
5. Agree in writing. Rent, deposit, dates, rules, refund and cancellation terms.
6. Arrange payment directly, with a traceable method and receipts.

The short version

Month ‘n’ More connects you with renters. The screening decision, and the responsibility for doing it fairly, stays with you. Clear written criteria, the same questions for everyone and a written agreement will take you most of the way.

See how Month ‘n’ More works for owners, or visit Safety & Trust.