The county recorder office is totally separate from the municipality, and they won't tell you about this requirement - they'll just take your money and record the document which puts you in jeopardy of criminal prosecution by the city.

The housing authority screens tenants for criminal backgrounds, income levels, etc.

First you have 2 problems, one is civil, one is criminal. 

getting new photos taken... existing photos do not do justice.

I see the difference between an ideology based on feeling and the ecosystem and a system of justice.

I believe there is Justice in this world.

Kevin Olson is a wanted criminal.

Not for credit, because they don't have any, but for criminal activity and damage done to previous rentals.

I did not charge at first, but I also didn't use any paid criminal/credit check services.

There are very real fines and even criminally penalties at stake and now an enforcement agency that is crusading to enforce these laws.