Rules for screening tenants - income, credit score, etc?

[Melissa Kirchhoff]

For all the landlords out there, do you have a sheet or list of requirements for tenants, like a set thing like the 3x income and set credit score amounts and anything else similar that you would be willing to share with me to get me started?

Do you openly share this with tenants that are applying (like I was thinking leaving it out on the counter)? Or is it something you keep more in your back pocket?

[Cassi Justiz]

Hi Melissa, 

Here is what I have on my applications. They have to sign off on this when they apply. I keep everything fairly subjective so that way if there was something circumstantial I could take that into consideration. 

• Your gross monthly income must equal approximately three times or more the monthly rent
  A favorable credit history and background check.
• Be employed and be able to furnish acceptable proof of the required income.
  Good references, housekeeping, and property maintenance history from your previous Landlords.
  Limit the number occupants to 2 per bedroom.

I really like the book Landlord on Autopilot. It has some great templates for applications and screening criteria. 

It's not on my application, but I also don't accept anyone with recent criminal charges, any violent/sexual offenses, or any evictions. Some landlords will make exceptions as long as the eviction was more than X years ago. But I have higher end rentals so I have decided to not accept anyone with an eviction on their record.