Tenant Screening - Scoring system?

[Mel Hayes]

question for property managers and self manging landlords.  Do any of you have a screening scoring system?  I just read the ultimate guide to screening but I didn't notice a score system.  For example, you have 2 applicants who both "qualify" for your rental.  With the scoring system you determine who gets the rental.  1 point for each year they have been on the same job. 1 point for each 10 points over your minimum credit score rating. If you ask they make 3x's the rent and they make 5x's the get 2 points.  Do you any of you use a system like this or one simular?  I've heard it protects you against applicants who get denied because you can better explain why someone else was given the rental.  If you do use a system maybe you could share?

cheers!

[Wesley W.]

Yes, I think @Michele Fischer has one that is great!

[Cassi Justiz]

I do first come first serve for qualified applicants. I fully screen the applicants in order of application turned in and then offer to the first one that meets all of my criteria. That way there is no way to be biased or accused of being biased in screening. I let everyone that sees the property know up front that I will offer the property in order of completed applications. 

I am also really straight forward with my criteria on the application. Must have "favorable credit and rental history, make 3x the rent, etc." 

[Mel Hayes]

Originally posted by @Wesley W.:

Yes, I think @Michele Fischer has one that is great!

Thanks Wesley.

[Mel Hayes]

Originally posted by @Cassi Justiz:

I do first come first serve for qualified applicants. I fully screen the applicants in order of application turned in and then offer to the first one that meets all of my criteria. That way there is no way to be biased or accused of being biased in screening. I let everyone that sees the property know up front that I will offer the property in order of completed applications. 

I am also really straight forward with my criteria on the application. Must have "favorable credit and rental history, make 3x the rent, etc." 

Do you charge an application fee?

[Michele Fischer]

I'm happy to send mine to anyone who sends their e-mail address.  It was built and tweaked by looking back at applications after knowing how the tenants turned out and looking for themes that seem to lead to great or unsuccessful tenants.  The individual items or scoring would vary by market, but it works.  I like that it documents my thought process and that it takes the emotion or bias out of it.

[Cassi Justiz]

@Mel Hayes I do. I charge a $40 application fee per adult. Once I get a qualified applications then I will refund subsequent "back-up" applications.