Tired of guessing when it comes to choosing tenants? At Good Life Property Management, we’ve screened over 10,000 applications—and our proven process helps landlords avoid the costly mistakes of bad tenants. If you’re looking to reduce risk and make renting stress-free, schedule a call with us today.
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Why Screening Matters More Than Ever
Tenant screening isn’t just about avoiding unpaid rent—it’s about peace of mind. In California, where eviction laws are strict and delays are costly, having a fair and legally sound screening process is essential. AB 2493 now requires landlords to provide written criteria to any tenant who applies, especially if you charge an application fee.
Our Screening Process: Step by Step
We’ve fine-tuned our system to find reliable tenants while keeping everything compliant with California’s strict housing laws.
1. Pre-Screening the Application
We begin by verifying the applicant’s ID and checking that it matches the name and address provided on their rental application. If this basic information doesn’t line up, that’s a red flag.
We also confirm:
- Rent-to-income ratio (we require 3x the rent in income)
- Pet status and compatibility with our policy
- Whether the application is fully completed (we only process complete ones)
2. Credit Screening: Our Tiered System
We don’t just look at the FICO score—we dig deeper.
- 650 and above: Approved with 3x rent in income
- 630–649: Approved with 3.3x rent in income
- 605–629: Approved with 4x rent in income
We also screen for:
- No housing-related judgments
- No unpaid balances
- No open bankruptcies
Why not just require 750+? High credit scores often signal buyers, not renters. In our experience, strong income is a better indicator of a reliable tenant than a high credit score alone.
3. Income & Employment Verification
We require legal, verifiable income. That means recent pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns. We do not accept unverifiable cash income. For co-signers, we require 700+ FICO and 4x rent in income.
4. Pet Screening (If Applicable)
Applicants must provide a photo of their pet and vet records that confirm the pet’s breed, age, and weight. This ensures they’re a responsible owner—and that the pet fits within our policy.
5. Background & Rental History Checks
We perform:
- Eviction searches
- Criminal background checks (within the last 7 years, per California law)
- Landlord reference checks
6. Application Standards
We require:
- One application per adult
- Application fee paid
- Move-in within 14 days of approval
Tenants wanting to move in tomorrow or months from now can raise concerns—too rushed or too uncertain. We also avoid incomplete applications or those lacking verification.
Avoid These Screening Mistakes
Even with good intentions, it’s easy to go wrong:
- Setting excessive credit requirements
- Denying applicants based on vague preferences (e.g., no kids, no college students)
- Using biased gut-feeling decisions
- Failing to screen Section 8 applicants correctly (you must allow them a chance to qualify through other means)
A Process Built on Experience
With over 10,000 applications screened and nearly 1,600 homes under management, we’ve refined a system that works. It’s based on compliance, fairness, and real-world results.
If you’re a landlord trying to build long-term rental success, it starts with the right tenant. And the right tenant starts with the right screening.
Want help setting up a tenant screening process that actually works? Schedule a consultation with Good Life Property Management and let us take the guesswork out of leasing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tenant Screening
1. Do I have to provide written screening criteria in California?
Yes—under AB 2493, you must disclose your screening criteria if you charge an application fee.
2. What’s more important: income or credit score?
Income. Data shows that income is a stronger indicator of rent payment reliability than credit score alone.
3. Can I reject an applicant just because they’re on Section 8?
No. California law prohibits blanket rejections of Section 8 applicants.
4. Do co-signers need to meet the same standards?
No. At Good Life, co-signers must meet even higher standards: 700+ FICO and 4x rent in income.
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Steve Welty
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