If ever there were an accident or a fire for instance, the owner would be criminally liable.

There are a lot of great options out there; aside from providing the basics (ie. listing tool to get the property published to 10+ major sites, scheduling tool to schedule viewings, tenant screening with comprehensive applications which include nationwide criminal background checks + credit checks + eviction history, digital lease creation tool, rent collection tool, and maintenance tracking tool), some services also offer your tenants additional capabilities which makes it an easier sell on your end when getting them to transition over (ie. their ability to report on-time rent payments to the credit bureaus; this can create an added incentive for making sure they pay that rent on time).

The price is too high or your screening criteria is too stringent.I agree with others that you should absolutely require a credit/criminal background and then get rid of the two-year work requirement.

Screen as best you can and hope for the best.The worst on paper can turn out to be the best tenant you ever had and the best on paper could be your worst.If you screen, check references, verify employment etc you increase your odds of a better tenant but things happen.Look for reasonable credit (your call)No evictions in last 7 yearsNo Criminal (be careful not to discriminate against new laws)Make 3X the rentjob stability 2 years plusIf any items are not perfect then get a bigger deposit to give you a buffer if they get behind or stop paying.Start an eviction (after proper notices) as soon as possible after a tenant misses a payment.

They applied, were background/credit/criminal checked, and passed my requirements.

Anyone here on Bigger Pockets, or elsewhere, telling you it's not, is either an idiot or a criminal.

Things that tell a criminal the house is vacant are for rent signs,  no curtains or no mini blinds in the windows, utilities shut off, yard not mowed,  and you get the point. 

Do you agree to a criminal and/or credit check? 

Could the Decline recommendation be based on criminal or eviction history? 

Was he screened prior to move in for criminal history?