Because the loss of an earnest money deposit (not to mention the time, emotion, etc) will be far greater than what we would charge up-front to run the extra (& now necessary) database checks, we have yet another example, in my opinion, of "consumer protection" actually harming people. 

Here's a list of some recent books I've listened to multiple times, in no particular order:The One Thing - Gary KellerThe 10 X Rule - Grant CardoneEat That Frog - Bryan TracyPower of Habit - Charles DuhiggThree Feet From Gold - Napoleon Hill FoundationSome of these authors have other books published as well.  

You should check out the habitability laws for your state.

I was hoping that I had gotten better at it, but I guess in new situations we tend to revert back to our old habits.  

The property must be habitable, for one thing. 

The courts have generally held plaintiffs to an incredibly high standard in requiring proof of intent by the other party and also proof of financial harm.  

Great topic last current USA debt for student loans was 1 trillion.I may self pushed my children hard in high school to prep for state college,my son did wrestling at a high level daughter soccer at a high level .I do think a balance is needed not just studying like Japan and other SE Asian countries.My son is study Electrical Engineering ,my daughter Industrial Engineering .We worked hard to get a good study habit out of the children ,my heroes were not sport stars I did like sports,fishing ,hunting but not like it was huge deal just fun a BALANCE .I like Einstein talked a lot about science ,math etc.

Legally, unless you’re into habitability (heat, water), most cities won’t have specific rules about it.

You may face this tactic in a standard non-payment eviction and face a Fritz habitability defense, a rent escrow action, or a conciliation case removed to District Court. 

I like giving them the checklist of easily walkable items, definitely have them initial that one for sec dep purposes.Not sure if you have a higher end or lower end rental but if you want to do another step to call out things and help them protect your house, I would change this doc to more of a handbook tone and be sure to include a (short) explanation of what harm you are trying to prevent.