Screening multiple tenants for one empty unit

[Al Wright]

This maybe a dumb question, but do you screen one tenant at a time (or multiple tenants at a time) for one available unit? What if multiple people pass the background and credit checks? Who gets the unit and what happens to the ones that don't?

[Alexander Zurn]

@Al Wright not dumb at all. It's actually the opposite! It's really important you understand the process before you take further action.

First, you'll need to have the appropriate paperwork for the potential tenants will you deny. This is likely a state specific document officially giving the applicant notice that they did not receive the unit for "this reason".

If they all pass the background and credit checks, make some minimum requirements that you want to have met. For example, a credit score higher than 630, a clean record of paying rent on time and great landlord recommendations, income that is three times the amount of the rent due so you can ensure your rent will be paid. Follow up on references and vet the applicants more than just a background and credit check. Call their work to ensure they make what they say they do and to know that they job is not "temporary" (this is called a verification of employment). They may ask for a document signed by the applicant giving his/her release/permission for you to do so, which is something you should also have them sign.

Let me know if you have any questions.