How has the pandemic changing how you select tenants?

[Aimee Lawrence]

We have one rental in Fort Collins, Colorado. Our tenants are moving out next month and I listed the property on Zillow rentals. We had 10 applications in the first two day, most people had credit scores over 700. Normally I would be thrilled but the pandemic has shifted how I view applicants. For instance, one applicant has a credit score over 700, no debt, but works in a restaurant. Several are assistant professors at CSU who depend on a stipend. CSU has gone to online classes for the summer AND fall, and I have heard rumblings that this will be very difficult on universities. 

Are you doing anything differently to protect yourself? Are there questions that you are asking that you wouldn't normally? I don't usually verify employment or ask for pay stubs but this is something I might need to consider right now. 

Grateful for any advice.