Prospective Tenant Screening Criteria checklist question

[Darek J.]

Hello all, 

I spent the last hour or so typing up my screening criteria for anyone that will applying to be a prospective tenant for my rentals.  I have great inherited tenants now (knock on wood), but I would like to get my criteria set down, in case it is needed in the future if they decide to leave one day.  That way I have a documented criteria/procedure for selecting a new tenant in place to avoid any discrimination issues. The typical things that I see mentioned often are included, but would you add anything additional?  What am I missing?

1.  Primary tenant(s) must be 18 years or older

a.  Any tenant 18 years or older:

i.  Must fill out rental application

ii.  Must be included on the lease

2.  Tenant(s) must fill out rental application completely

a.  Full name, DOB, Drivers license number, and social security number

3.  Tenant(s) must agree to both criminal and credit check ($35 processing fee must be submitted at the time of application per applicant).

4.  Credit score FICO must be above 600

5.  No Violent Criminal or Felony convictions

a.  No pending criminal cases

6.  No previous evictions

7.  Previous rental references must be provided

a.  References must give positive review of prospective tenant(s)

b.  Reasonable explanation if no references are provided will be considered

8.  Must be currently employed

a.  Able to produce the 2 most recent payroll check stubs dated within the last 45 days.

b.  Total income (combined if multiple tenants) before taxes, must equal 3 times monthly rent

c.  Confirmation call to employer to verify employment

9.  No section 8 allowed

10.  No smoking allowed

11.  No Pets allowed

a.  Companion/Service animals allowed

12.  $XXX holding deposit must be submitted within 48 hours of approved tenant application to hold the unit, which will be applied to first month rent/security deposit

a.  Unit will not be held for more than 14 days unless otherwise agreed upon

13.  Full amount of first month’s rent and security deposit must be paid in full at lease signing

14.  Tenant(s) must bring a current DL/ID to be photocopied at the lease signing

15.  Tenant(s) must sign lease prior to move in