Russell,I previously worked in the Cook County Assessor's office for 20 years and now work for a tax firm that specializes in reduction of real estate taxes.

You dont bring your own steak to a restaurant and ask them to cook it so you save money .

You can be picker with a roommate than a regular tenant and you can pick roommates who don't know how to boil water (non-cooks who'll stay out of the kitchen). 

@Christopher Cook Thank you, it is always nice to have support and guidance when it matters most. 

Currently i require: non-smoker,income 3x rent with pay stub verification, no bankruptcy/felonies/evictions, 5 years rental history/good references, employment verification, submit to background credit check (i don't have any set policy on minumum credit score yet),1st month payment and security deposit due at signing, must comply with online payments. 

. - Minimum housing standards.No person shall occupy as owner-occupant, or let or sublet to another for occupancy (for compensation or not), any dwelling or dwelling unit designed or intended to be used for the purpose of living, sleeping, cooking, or eating therein, nor shall any vacant dwelling building be permitted to exist which does not comply with the following requirements:(w) Screens.

You were trying to be nice by waiving the late fee but what you've done is taught this new tenant that your rules aren't set in stone, but rather as wavy as cooked spaghetti.

@Nicholas Cook good to know about price!  

Im staying clear from cook county, unless its an offer/deal I can't refuse :)

They usually are glad that I won't tolerate wild parties, drunks, smokers, overnight guests often, and all of the usual "bad" roommate traits.