Income alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Someone can have a strong salary on paper and still struggle to pay rent if most of that income is already committed elsewhere. That’s why we carefully review each applicant’s debt-to-income ratio — the relationship between what they earn and what they owe every month.

We look at all recurring obligations that show up on the credit report as well as any additional debts disclosed during the application process. Car loans, student loans, credit cards, personal loans, and other monthly payments are taken into account alongside the proposed rent amount. This helps us understand whether the applicant will realistically be able to handle rent comfortably, not just theoretically.

A healthy debt-to-income ratio suggests that rent fits naturally within their budget, which reduces stress for both the tenant and for you as the owner. When the ratio is high, we dig deeper: asking for more detailed proof of income, evaluating additional savings or assets, or, in some cases, recommending a co-signer. By approaching affordability in a structured, numbers-driven way, we dramatically lower the risk of payment struggles, frequent partial payments, and avoidable defaults during the lease term.

Creating a safe, stable community is a priority for responsible rental owners, and we share that commitment. Where permitted by law, we conduct a careful criminal background review as part of the screening process. Our approach is to be thorough, consistent, and fair — never rushed, arbitrary, or based on blanket assumptions.

When reviewing any criminal history, we consider the type of offense, the severity, how long ago it occurred, and whether there is evidence of rehabilitation or a clean record since. An old, minor issue is not treated the same as a recent, serious incident. We also ensure that our review process aligns with all applicable regulations and guidance around fair housing and the proper use of criminal records in housing decisions.

Our goal is to protect your property and other residents while still recognizing that people’s lives are complex and that context matters. By evaluating each situation individually and documenting our decisions, we help you maintain a safe environment, reduce liability, and feel confident that your screening process is both responsible and defensible.

Reliable income is one of the strongest predictors of on-time rent. To verify that an applicant can comfortably afford your property, we go well beyond simply asking where they work. We confirm current employment directly with employers when possible, verify job title and length of employment, and review pay stubs, offer letters, or tax returns for those who are self-employed.

We also look at the stability and nature of their work. Someone who has been with the same employer for several years or who works in a field with strong demand typically presents less risk than someone with frequent job changes and gaps in employment. When there are recent transitions — such as a new job or relocation — we may request additional proof, like an employment contract or written confirmation of start dates and salary.

This level of verification gives us confidence that the income listed on the application is accurate, consistent, and sufficient to support the rent amount. For you as the owner, that translates into predictable monthly payments and fewer surprises. For the resident, it means we’re setting them up for success by approving them for a home they can realistically afford, not stretching them beyond their means.

An applicant’s prior rental history is one of the clearest indicators of what you can expect as an owner. That’s why we conduct a detailed eviction history search as part of our screening. We look for formal evictions, filings that may have been resolved, judgments in favor of previous landlords, and other serious lease-related issues.

When we find something in an applicant’s past, we don’t simply reject them based on a single line in a report. Instead, we investigate the context: Was the eviction tied to a temporary hardship that has clearly been resolved? Were they cooperative in leaving a property and satisfying past-due balances? Has there been a long period of stable housing since?

This deeper review allows us to distinguish between applicants who had a one-time setback and those who show a pattern of problem tenancies. By avoiding repeat issues — chronic non-payment, serious lease violations, or property damage — we protect your asset, reduce legal exposure, and minimize the chances of having to navigate a difficult and expensive eviction process in the future.

Numbers and reports tell us a lot, but there’s no substitute for hearing directly from someone who has actually rented to the applicant before. When possible, we reach out to previous landlords and property managers to gather first-hand feedback about the applicant’s behavior and reliability as a tenant.

We ask targeted questions designed to get beyond polite generalities. Did they pay rent on time, and if not, how often were payments late? Were there complaints from neighbors about noise, cleanliness, or behavior? Did they follow property rules, communicate respectfully, and take good care of the home? Most importantly, we ask the ultimate question: Would you rent to this person again?

These conversations often reveal details that never appear on a credit report or background check — things like how they treated maintenance staff, whether they left the unit in good condition, and how they handled conflicts or requests. By combining these qualitative insights with our financial and background data, we create a well-rounded profile of each applicant. The result: residents who are more likely to stay longer, treat your home as their own, and contribute positively to the overall community you’re building.