You don't want to have them sign a 1-year lease, only to discover they don't pay the rent on time and you then have to start the eviction process.If the current owner didn't use the same qualifications that you would use, I would run a background check on them at your own expense - they are already there and if it comes back fine it is a small price to pay for the peace of mind.

If you own several different properties, even saying they are basically same rental and tenant bracket, can you have different set qualifications for each property?

When someone says that they want to rent for a couple of years, get through school, get their qualifications, then I'll get right behind them.

Also, consider listing your qualifications in your posting to avoid questions.

Give him notice now and start to advertise for a person that will meet YOUR qualifications.3.

You don't say what kind of repairs are needed but what are her qualifications to do them? 

All i have done is done a phone screen on them and they said they met my qualifications.  

Starting to wonder if I need to revamp my qualifications.

You will want to understand why they want to pay in advance and their qualification and go from there.  

This applicant DID NOT qualify based on ratio of income to rent, and if the landlord accepts this applicant by going against tenant qualification criteria, he then has to allow other applicants that same exception or face possible claims of discrimination.