Help with tenant screening

[Vasudev Kirs]

Prospective tenant is interested in starting application process for my rental unit. They are out of state and their son is attending university and will be the co-signer. This is my very first time renting the unit as I purchased it a couple of months ago.

Though they are requesting application, but being out-of-state is not instilling confidence in me. 

I will be using mysmartmove for application. I did clearly mention the application criteria where I have minimum credit score required.

Am I overthinking? 

Is there anything I can do as a  due diligence to screen them? 

What are some of the criteria that you use to forego previous rental references as it is their son who will be renting?

Are there any sites where I can check their criminal and evictions if any? I think they are from CA.

Thank you!

[Joseph Beilke]

@Vasudev Kirs

All parties must fill out application and have credit and background check.  I use a credit range for deposits. For example, 600-619. First, Last and double deposit is required.  620-639 Double deposit,640-659 1 1/2 deposit, 660 and above single deposit.  This is for the highest level applicant.

Contact to reference, and request and review bank statements.

I had an applicant apply once that wanted to pay 1 year upfront.  He had the money from a house sale. But while reviewing his bank statements, he no longer was paying a mortgage and wouldn't be able to once the sale money was gone.  The spending habits left no money after bi weekly pay checks.  So after a year he would not have been able to pay.  He was not approved

Also make sure they get personnel property and liability insurance with you and them named as the insured.

Look at everything!