The savings are dramatic...

They have a fenced in backyard they can let the dogs out but they said it's pouring so it's bad for the dogs too...Is this a real issue or over dramatized?

@Fanrong Mu      To answer your question, the consequences of renting out an unpermitted unit can be quite dramatic.

Maybe they've changed dramatically since I used it for this purpose 3 years ago.  

It's that first year that's super dramatic.  

You won't have to worry about large, multi-generation families moving into your place and causing parking problems the neighbors will complain about.In short, they are way less dramatic, use less utilities and cause less damage, and need less of your time.And, in my experience, you will not need to lower your criteria at all.  

If rents have increased dramatically, then it is a landlord's market.

I would note that all of it comes from people in other states where the laws may dramatically differ.

So my application rate compared to showings had risen dramatically.2) Security Deposit Collections/Lease SigningsI'm not sure if other people do this, but before, when I required a security deposit and last months rent, I would meet with the tenant at the property, give them a reciept for the security deposit, then email them a copy of the lease.

  #3 sounds somewhat dramatic.