How to tenant screen college students?

[Robert Chaiton]

Hi BiggerPockets,

I have been looking at houses to rent around a college campus to the students but as I am running my analysis one question came to mind which was: What should I do when screening college students as a tenant?

Since the majority of college students have very little credit history would a credit check be enough along with a background check?

What types of strategies would the community recommend when trying to screen college students as tenants?

I look forward to anyone’s help!

Thank you

[Evan Polaski]

As mentioned, get a cosigner.  I would start with a background check, just like any other tenant: credit, background, landlord references.  But some might not have landlord references.  

I would look to make sure you are securing someone with assets to co-sign the lease.  If they destroy, a broke college kid won't help you much in paying for repairs.