How Strict are You in Screening Tenants?

Question

Maybe we're too strict. I just want to feel out other opinions. If you checked someone out and found out that they were arrested for theft in 2007, but they were never convicted, how would you proceed? I've had a vacancy for a couple of months, and for the most part, I've turned people away because they've had assaults on their records, or they have a record for breaking into cars, etc. Today I screened someone who fits the above description, and I find myself wanting to turn her away too, even though she wasn't convicted. She does have a child now, so that definitely changes people.

What are your criteria for accepting/refusing people?

Elizabeth Colegrove · Answer

I think for me it would depend on the demographic of the house. We have class A/B houses that appeal to those with security clearances and other professional incomes. Therefore we really don't accept anyone minus a speeding ticket etc. Once we considered a DUI, but ended up having two other very qualified people finish their application first, so it wasn't an issue. So for me I can have no vacancy and be very selective. On the other hand, I do have people iwht short sales and foreclosures. It is one of the reason they want to rent not buy.

On the other hand, I know of people that operate in a C class working neighborhood and they have lower standards because that is who their demographic of house appeals to . So at the end of the day it really depends on what is available and your house.

Sorry I can't give you a more concise answer.

On the other hand, I know of people that operate in a C class working neighborhood and they have lower standards because that is who their demographic of house appeals to . So at the end of the day it really depends on what is available and your house.

Sorry I can't give you a more concise answer.

Sarnen Steinbarth · Answer

While I suppose this is not a direct answer. . . if you have to ask (unsure enough in your feeling) then you are probably better off waiting.

(It goes without saying that you don't do this based on a fair housing protected class.)

In the long-run I think being strict will probably pay off.

I've had over 1000 tenants.  2 owe me money.  This is because of strict screening.

Jeff B. · Answer

2007 she was 16?  Now with a child and EARNING 3x - -

Make the lease 6 months, renewable m/m with termination by written 30 day notice.

She's under your nose 90% of the time and there's EVERY chance she just wants to move on.  Tell her openly you are concerned about her past and any new boy friend needs to apply for residency just like she did and you are not obligated to accept him.

Say yes and "I hope this works out for both of us"

Jacqueline Carrington · Answer

I think first you should establish across the board rental qualifications that all applicants must meet. For your criminal part, establish what your requirement will be:

-No criminal history

-No felonies

-Misdemeanors (case by case)?

Samuel Sedore · Answer

I think you should look more at them as a whole profile, I know people who have been arrested and never charged because a jealous ex lover called the cops over a fight you just never know.

If she has a great credit score, Landlord reference and has been gainfully employed for 3+ months and her boss gives her a good review. I would say the arrest shouldn't matter.

Jen Faulkner · Answer

I absolutely didn't imply that her being a single mother is a reason not to rent to her.  I only made reference to her being a single mother because I think it shows that she has moved on with her life.  Although not always, children give people a reason to change.  On top of that, I welcome the fact that she has a small child because it's above our personal home, and if she's willing to put up with our noise and the noise that our own children make, then we welcome her noise too.  And I accepted her this morning, so we're moving forward with the rental.

Thanks, everyone for your suggestions.  We've been landlords since 2008, so it's nothing new for us, but I have just been curious for awhile as to what criteria other landlords follow.  It's nice to know that others are as picky as we are.

Jen Faulkner · Answer

I thought I should probably add a little more info.  We do have a few rentals, but this particular one is above our personal home.  We bought the house three years ago because it was closer to our kids' private school, but it coincidentally had a rental suite.  We didn't set out to look for one, but we've utilized it since we've been here.  And I don't think we're any more strict with this rental than we are with the others.  I guess honestly, I would feel comfortable with her above us.  A young, single mom doesn't seem like much of a threat.  She does earn 3x the rental amount.  She was probably about sixteen when she was arrested eight years ago, so I don't see a lot of red flags, but I still find myself wanting to turn her away because of it.  Wasn't sure if I was being too strict, or just being snooty.  lol

Steven Gesis · Answer

Hello Jen!

First of all, I would like to say this is a very common subject when screening for a new tenant. You have your property and the last thing you want to do is rent it to someone you can't trust or may cause you problems.

I can tell you when screening for a tenant I like to take everything in account with their background. Check when the crime was committed, as you said it happened back in 2007. Ask her about it if it is really bothering you. Was she honest when applying for your place? There are many things to take into consideration when trying to determine if she is a good fit for you.

I like to look at how long ago the crime was committed. For example, there is a big different between something that occurred 6 months ago and 6 YEARS ago. If they only have 1 count on their record, if they were charged, etc. It can be a real difficult and stressful decision because you want to have your unit rented, but you want to make sure it  is not with someone who will cause you problems.

It is pretty much a case by case basis. You really can't be "too strict" when screening, but you definitely don't want to be too relaxed. That could be a problem in the future.

Please let me know if you would like to discuss in more detail.

Steven Wiltz · Answer

develop a written criteria, and stick to it. No flexibility. Easy.

If you feel you can't get a renter because you think your criteria is too strict, then change the standard.

But don't flip flop.

How Strict are You in Screening Tenants?

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