Applicant screening process in C-D areas

[Lesley Resnick]

I have a triplex in a c-d area (rent 700 for a 2/1) and I was wondering how others are screening tenants.  I am using a paid background check and call employer, current landlord.  I am requiring they make 2100 a month to even qualify.

I am regularly finding:

They do not have good credit

Many of them have been in trouble with the law

And so on.

I largely look at criminal, eviction and most important work history.

Any suggestions as to what criteria I should use?

[David Wandel]

We have 30 plus doors in C-/D neighborhoods. Our criteria is:

1. 2 1/2 to 3 times (depending on whether utilities are included) the rent proof of income.

2. No pending criminal charges

3. No prior domestic charges

4. No prior evictions

    It is a bit more of a challenge to find good tenants but it is possible and we do have many long term tenants. We will leave a property vacant for however long it takes to find a tenant we are comfortable with.