How does Cubbi screen tenants

Our screening is thorough and professional. We use a combination of technology, expert reviewers, and experienced property managers to assess applications and provide a solid recommendation.


The Screening Process

Step 1: Request Additional Information

As soon as you shortlist an application from your dashboard, our system gets to work:

  • We send out reference requests.
  • Each applicant completes a global ID verification check.
  • Applicants are given the option to complete a Tenant Safety Profile for additional insights.

Within 2 business hours of shortlisting, we begin a manual review to check if further details are needed. This may include:

  • Recent evidence (e.g. payslips) to verify income.
  • Additional rental history to gather more references.
  • Ensuring all household members have completed their part of the profile.

Every applicant’s situation is different, so we proactively gather the necessary information to complete our comprehensive assessment.


Step 2: Verify Information and References

We don’t just take applicants at their word—we require at least two forms of proof for key details. Our decision is based on verified information, not just what an applicant reports.

We confirm:

  • Income (through payslips, bank statements, or employment verification).
  • ID verification (matching documents to trusted sources and AI face recognition).
  • References (from previous landlords, property managers, or employers).

For landlord references, we check ownership records to confirm that the referee actually owned the property. Each reference is assigned a Trust Status, which helps indicate how much weight it carries in our final recommendation.


Step 3: Collect References

We collect references from a range of sources, including:

  • Current and previous landlords/property managers.
  • Employers (to verify stable income).
  • Other relevant contacts, such as sales agents (if the applicant recently sold a property).

Most references are collected via email and SMS through our structured request system, making the process efficient and thorough. However, around 30% of references require phone follow-ups, particularly with property managers or unresponsive contacts. In some cases, we conduct the entire reference check over the phone if the referee prefers.


Step 4: Industry Benchmarks and Risk Assessment

All collected information is displayed in your dashboard, so you see exactly what we see—every reference, document, and detail provided by the applicant.

We compare verified data against industry benchmarks to guide our assessment, including:

  • Rent affordability rating.
  • Safety Profile Report.
  • National Tenancy Database (NTD) check.
  • Budget strain analysis.

Step 5: Professional Interpretation

To ensure our screening is accurate, fast, and cost-effective, an experienced property manager steps in at the final stage to interpret all data and provide a clear recommendation.

We also include detailed insights to help you understand any risks and how to mitigate them, so you can confidently select the right tenant.


Our process takes 1-2 business days (pending references or additional information from applicants). Since great tenants move fast, timing is crucial—our system ensures you get the information you need before missing out on a top-quality applicant.


Certified applications are backed by Cubbi. If your tenant defaults on rent or breaches the lease, just press the panic button, and we’ll take care of everything—fast. From legal notices to tribunal attendance and tenant communication, we’ve got it all handled—keeping you informed every step of the way. Learn more.


For a general overview of the screening packages click here.


A peak at your dashboard:

This is what the reference forms looks like: