Minimum "boxes to check" for tenant screening, assuming you are self-managing

[Jim Lynch]

I'm curious as what y'all consider to be the minimum criteria for approving a tenant, assuming you don't have access to professional tools. If I am self managing my portfolio, what do I need to check/confirm, and what easily available tools are at my disposal (online, other) to help me do this? 

[Paul De Luca]

@Jim Lynch

Some typical minimum tenant screening requirements look like the following, but it depends on your market:

-Renter has a gross monthly income of 3x more than the monthly rent

-Minimum credit score of 650

-Renter must have no prior evictions

-No felons (or other notable criminal history)

There are a number of different tenant screening softwares out there such as Zillow Rental Manager, TransUnion SmartMove, etc.

Be sure to complete an employment verification by contacting the renter's employer and confirm the details they shared with you, landlord verification (if they have a previous landlord), credit check, and background check.