Screening Prospective Student Renters

[Greggory Kowalkowski]

Hi all,

We recently bought and fixed up a house within a few blocks of a university.  The economy of the area makes it a no-brainer to target students.  I'm just wondering how successful landlords screen student tenants in these situations.  Most all students would have no credit and are often renting their first place so no chance of an eviction on their record.  Is it even worth doing background checks?  Confirm their standing with the university?  Parent Co-signers?  100% gut feel?  Looking for advice from those with experience in this situation.