In recent years, written screening criteria have become a major topic of discussion. You must have written Screening Criteria and provide applicants with the rental application. If the applicant is applying from out of state, we suggest you email the screening criteria to them BEFORE sending the application. Ask the applicant to respond with, “I have read and understood the criteria,” and to provide a copy of their driver’s license and two recent pay stubs, or an offer letter if they are moving here for a new job.
If you are accepting applications in person, have the applicant read, sign, and date the criteria sheet. Keep the signed copy and send the applicants home with a blank copy for reference.
We had a landlord get sued because he couldn’t prove he provided screening criteria, and he lost.
Side Note: WLA has a Screening Criteria Sheet. This is known as the Notice to Applicants for Tenancy Sheet, and it can be found on the WLA website under Forms>Tenant Screening Forms. WLA members will need to login to their accounts first in order to access this document | WLA Login Portal Link
Picture ID and recent pay stub
We still see a high number of incorrect names, addresses, and Social Security Numbers. This only gets more intense as we approach the Holiday Months. Great applicants are out there, but you may have to sift through several “Not so Great” applicants to find them.
Remember to ask to view two pieces of photo ID, and make sure you check whether the current address matches what is on their ID.
Always ask for proof of income.
There are many “Long Stories” out there; you don’t want to become a part of one.
Take your time, make sure the money is there, and verify Everything. The Silly Season is coming!
Happy Renting!
Marcia Gohman | NTN – Northwest