Final answer:
Tenants typically pay a screening fee during the application process for a rental property to cover background and credit checks, but it's crucial to be aware of possible discriminatory practices in housing.
Step-by-step explanation:
A tenant may need to pay a screening fee when applying for a rental property. This fee covers the cost of running background checks, including credit checks, to assess the potential risk of renting to a particular individual. It's important for tenants to be aware that discrimination in housing exists and that certain groups, such as Hispanic renters, have historically faced challenges in the rental market, including being subject to more credit checks and provided with less information about available units, as revealed in studies by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the nonprofit Urban Institute.