.- friend submits application after a days online after a day.Several back and and forth for corrections and then based on his checks, income vs. spending more than earning (has traffic / DUI related misdemeanor and criminal tickets; several traffic citation; spending more than it's earning;  has considerable debt) , I informed him that I cannot rent him based on what income information and reports I see (this is prior to employment check).He then decides that his mother will also live with me and then started submitting his application.

Citations?

Based on experience, I do know that certain city's have been sending out the inspection crews and will issue at citation for any graffiti, trash, etc.  

The inspector issued the citation (or whatever the legal terminology is) for the trash in the backyard.

The neighborhood is going down hill, crime is up, those you do rent to have a hard time paying, the place gets more damage, vacancy goes up, you get citations from the city, 3 years later you can't rent the place.

If they can't tell you the relevant statutes (aka send you the citations or documents to read yourself) I personally wouldn't put too much stock in their advice.Since, like me, you have the joys of being commission based (I'm an investor-friendly agent) you know that you need to pay estimated taxes quarterly.  

You will see citations there that aren't in a criminal record check. 

FolksI got a citation from Parma city that I need to peel/paint areas that are peeling.

@Deanna McCormick  noise there is an ordinance where there is a citation and notification to us.

In Cuyahoga County, if the balance is not paid within thirty (30) days, the purchase shall be in contempt of court and a citation shall be issued.