Help! Need advice - screening my first tenant

[Grace Norton]

I am screening my first applications for my first rental property.

I have a young married couple who is looking to get their first apartment together to move out of their parents house. They are in their very early 20s they both are full-time employed, but the husband does not have any credit history at all. I know I can ask for a cosigner, but I’m wondering if I need to pull their credit too? For reference I’m using TurboTenant. 

[Jonathan Greene]

I don't know what TurboTenant does, but it doesn't sound like enough. You should get these things for all applicants:

1. rental application with employment reference and personal reference

2. credit

3. past landlord reference

4. check for eviction history

Most apps like RentSpree include all this in what the tenant pays to send you a report.

I cosigned for my daughter and her boyfriend on their first lease. She has credit, he did not, but both had jobs and I still cosigned. You want a cosigner if they don't have established credit. Make sure to call the employers. Don't just take the first applicant because they seem nice.