How to Screen Tenants in St. Petersburg, FL…
Screening your next renters in St. Petersburg is simple and efficient with RealSerious.com. Just provide the applicant’s name and email, and we’ll secure their consent to pull an official credit report along with a multi-state criminal background check.
No monthly fees – pay as you go.
Tenant Screening Services You Can Trust
We have more than 20 years experience with the vibrant rental market of St. Petersburg, from luxury waterfront condos on Beach Drive to charming bungalows in Historic Old Northeast and family homes in Crescent Lake. Our services provide landlords in St. Pete with the tools to make well-informed tenancy decisions.
The Sunshine City’s Many Neighborhoods
St. Petersburg offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique appeal to renters. RealSerious.com ensures landlords across the city can access tenant screening services customized for the area. Whether you’re renting an apartment near the bustling downtown or a single-family home in a quieter suburb, we’ve got you covered.
Featured Communities
Downtown: Perfect for tenants seeking urban living with access to shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cultural attractions like the Dali Museum.
Historic Old Northeast: Known for its tree-lined streets and vintage charm, this area attracts professionals and families alike.
Crescent Lake: A family-friendly neighborhood with homes near parks and recreation areas.
Snell Isle: An upscale residential area known for its waterfront properties and golf course views.
Jungle Terrace: Popular for its suburban feel and proximity to Tyrone Square Mall and local schools.
Gulfport: Technically a neighboring community, it offers a quaint, artsy vibe for those seeking an alternative to downtown living.
What’s Included in Our Standard Service?
Our tenant screening reports provide comprehensive details to help landlords in St. Pete make better decisions. Reports include the following information where available:
• Credit Score & Factors (ResidentScore®)
• Reported Addresses & Employment
• Credit Card & Loan Payments
• Ch 7 & 13 Bankruptcy Remarks
• Returned Check Collection Accts
• Unpaid Utility & Landlord Collections
• Foreclosures & Repossessions
• Multi-State Criminal Records*
• National Sex Offender Registry
• Global Sanctions
See a sample report.
Turnaround Times: Most reports are delivered within seconds after the applicant’s identity is verified. Some may take up to 1–2 days due to common names, potential record matches, or delays in local jurisdiction reporting.
*DISCLAIMER: No tenant criminal background check is 100% complete. Coverage for our standard tenant screening report may vary due to (1) jurisdictions limiting what records are eligible to return and (2) TransUnion and/or its partners limiting records that do not meet their data quality standards. Learn more about tenant criminal records.
St. Petersburg Tenant Screening FAQs
For additional questions, contact us. Please note: We are unable to provide legal advice. For Florida-specific landlord-tenant law inquiries, consult a local attorney or legal expert.
Can criminal background checks be used to vet applicants?
Yes, criminal background checks are allowed as part of tenant screening. However, landlords must comply with the Fair Housing Act and local guidelines. For detailed information, refer to the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights: https://www.pinellas.gov/human-rights/.
What are the security deposit rules in St. Petersburg?
Security deposits in Florida are governed by state law under the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Landlords must disclose how deposits are held and refund unused amounts promptly after lease termination. Learn more here: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/Chapter83.
St. Petersburg Landlord Resources
Here are valuable links to support tenant screening and property management. For more statewide information, see Florida tenant screening.
Pinellas County Clerk of Court
545 First Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
https://www.mypinellasclerk.org
Handles small claims, evictions, and other landlord-tenant legal matters.
St. Petersburg Code Compliance
Phone: 727-893-7373
https://www.stpete.org/residents/community/codes_compliance.php
Assistance to help adhere to local housing codes and standards.
Pinellas Realtor® Organization
https://www.pinellasrealtor.org