However, it’s also a field full of potential landmine issues with fair housing.There are important things to remember when using social media to screen tenants.Start with a solid application processIf you’re not starting with a thorough rental application, a credit check, and a criminal background check, go no further.Beyond that, have a checklist of uniform criteria and standards you need each tenant to meet.

However, this is a situation when they deny that their partner has moved in but it appears like they live in the apartment building.This may happen because of bad credit or because of criminal convictions that they do not want to disclose.

What if they have terrible landlord references or a criminal background that includes legally deniable crimes?

It is a criminal offense to trespass on this property"So is this a sight unseen auction?

Consequently, criminal records-based barriers to housing are likely to have a disproportionate impact on minority home seekers.  

They have all types of fencing.

w@Kevin Siedlecki very correctly pointed out that you moving into a backyard shed would be a likely zoning violation (which is not criminal -but could lead to a fine if found out, then warned and warnings are ignored), but that would not dissuade me if shed living equaled saving money.  

How you avoid a tenant with hygiene issues when you can only see financial and criminal check? 

Mario Furmanczyk,seriously if you are determined to play with LA's rent control laws and renting in California in general,you need to find a very good real estate attorney who is an expert in rent control laws and California rental laws in general.California is one of the most difficult places to do business and landlords are treated like criminals waiting to be caught by our court system.You need serious protection with good lawyers who will help you stay in compliance and keep you out of financial troubles.Good luck to you.

AND you check for their credit score/criminal history/eviction history.This should be fine to screen tenants.