We only refer tenants we'd rent to ourselves.
Every applicant we send to your unit has cleared a documented screening process — built to Fair Housing law, calibrated to real-world DC rental realities.
What we verify.
Income & Financial Capacity
- Income verification to cover tenant's portion of rent (2.5x multiplier for market-rate; voucher gap for voucher-supported)
- Employment or benefits verification
- No active bankruptcy (discharged bankruptcies are reviewed individually)
Tenancy History
- Prior landlord reference (most recent + one before if available)
- No active eviction filings
- No money judgments in favor of prior landlords in the last 3 years
Identity & Eligibility
- Photo ID
- Social Security number or ITIN (for tax/HAP compliance)
- Right to rent in the United States (where applicable)
Voucher Verification (if applicable)
- Active voucher with issuing housing authority
- Voucher bedroom size matches unit
- Tenant's portion of rent affordability confirmed
And what we won't screen on — ever.
Federal and DC Fair Housing law prohibit screening or discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, age, source of income (including housing choice vouchers), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, personal appearance, or status as a survivor of domestic violence.
These aren't factors in our screening process — and if a landlord asks us to screen on any of them, we won't.
Who makes the final call.
We screen.
Birdie's House verifies every line item above.
You decide.
The final leasing decision rests with the property owner. We don't sign leases on your behalf.
We document.
Every screening is documented for your records and ours, in case of a Fair Housing inquiry.
See the screening in action.
Submit a vacancy and you'll see our screening package on the first referral we send.