I still always prefer to get credit/ criminal checks if possible, so if you cant get these without social, then you have justification for being uncomfortable renting to #1.

Like, total criminal running the thing, bad finances, no reserve fund yet, dues kept artificially low, etc.

Is this the latest "in" thing that I'm missing?

You would not believe the run of people I've had--three felons in a row in the last day--the latest was for child abuse(!). (Of course he had a pre-packaged story about...

It has alot to do with the intent of the violator, the extent of the violation, damages caused and if there were any other violations or criminal acts.

I will do a criminal background check on all of them.

They could all be criminals or professional tenants that intentionally were omitted from the application.

Yes it can signal criminals to a vacant home but alot of my applicants come from driving by seeing the sign or someone they know seeing the signI personally leave a light on when I have it vacant.

A bad check is better than nothing , If someone passes a bad check you now have a criminal action .

If they had steady solid income and good credit and no criminal history, they would not be living in a 30K house. 300K, yes. 130K, yes.

Since the deposit was accepted pending a criminal/credit check, I assume you didn't deposit their check?