What do you put the most weight on when screening tenants?

[Jonathan Sher]

We are all after the perfect evidence of a good tenant: Good credit score, secure job with plenty of monthly income, no criminal history etc. But it seems like its so hard to find all 3 in one person. It always seems like there are two of the things but not all three. What do you guys put most of your weight on?

For example, I found a lady that seems to have strong moral character, makes 2.8 times the gross rent, has no criminal background, no landlord judgements or evictions, but has credit issues.

Compare her to someone that has filed bankruptcy, or has wage garnishments plus bad credit. It seems like its hard to get that "perfect" tenant.

[Jim Stardust]

Credit issues can often be explained, especially in this economy so credit score and such shouldn't receive the same weight as say employment and rental history. If you've seen her current residence and she kept it well, that should tell you how she'll likely treat your property. I agree with Bienes, as long as you go by pre-written criterion, you should be fine.

Take the time to find the best match, you primary goal is to find a tenant that will pay on time (solid employment prospect and history), and will treat your property right (references from previous landlords). Don't fall for the "moral" character, I've had people come in telling about their church's work and how they teach Sunday school and it turned out they were selling meth out of their previous place. What kind of place is it, what about location, how much rent are you asking?