Breaking the Tenant Screening Standards

[Coty C.]

Tenant Screening Standards: - No previous eviction - 3x income to rent - Clean background - Good references Hi Everyone, On biggerpockets these 4 standards for the tenant screening process have been repeated time and time again. I have not yet seen anyone talk about being stricter or being more relaxed with then. So I'm here to ask just that question. 1. For anyone who has screened a tenant and seen the outcome, where would you bend the rules to get a tenant in the house? 2. In what circumstances would you be stricter with the rules? 3. What are some of your rules or standards that you abide by to get the best tenants? 4. Have these rules and standards ever failed you? what were the circumstances around it? Do you think you could have avoided it? If you answer with a scenario, please give the type of property, type of neighborhood and any other details you feel would be important. Thank you for taking the time to read this and comment.

[Thomas S.]

@Jeff Copeland

I always chose best qualified. I do a lengthy personal interview since personality is a major part of selecting tenants. Attitude, appearance, etc. contribute to a good landlord tenant relationship.

My business does not ever consider order of application/first qualified nor do I bother worrying about Fair Housing (human rights in Canada) since the government is not invested in my business. I choose the best for me not someone that is dictated by a bureaucrat.

If I had to operated my business following every stupid regulation out of fear of government storm troopers  I would have sold years ago. New/hobby landlords should probably be fearful and follow all rules.

My money, my business my decisions. I never reject applicants I simply inform them that the unit is no longer available.