Applicant Screening

How We Handle Applicant Screening

• Credit check through TransUnion and Equifax. We require a minimum score of 650, with room for compensating factors like strong savings or verifiable rental history.

• Criminal background check covering felony and misdemeanor records. We follow HUD guidance with individualized assessments — no blanket denials.

• Eviction history search going back 5 years. Any eviction filing is a red flag we investigate further.

• Income verification requiring at least 3x the monthly rent in gross income. We accept W-2 employment, self-employment, retirement, disability, and Section 8 vouchers.

• Rental reference checks from at least two previous landlords covering payment history, lease compliance, and property condition.

• Identity verification confirming the applicant is who they say they are before we process any application.

Why This Matters for Your Investment

The wrong tenant turns a cash-flowing property into a money pit. Late payments, property damage, early lease breaks, and eviction costs add up fast. In Texas, the eviction process can take 3-6 weeks even in a best-case scenario — and that's weeks of lost rent plus legal costs.

Our screening criteria are designed to minimize that risk. We apply the same standards to every applicant, every time. That consistency protects you legally under Fair Housing law and practically by filtering for tenants who pay on time and take care of your property.

We also handle adverse action notices when an applicant is denied. Every denial gets a proper FCRA-compliant letter explaining the decision and the applicant's rights. This keeps you protected from discrimination claims and regulatory issues.

Applicant Screening FAQ

What are your screening criteria?
We require a minimum credit score of 650, income of at least 3x monthly rent, no evictions in the past 5 years, two positive rental references, and current employment or verifiable income. We consider compensating factors on a case-by-case basis.

​

How long does screening take?
Most applications are processed within 24-48 hours. TransUnion and Equifax reports come back quickly, but rental reference checks can sometimes take an extra day depending on previous landlord response times.

​

Do you accept Section 8 vouchers?
Yes. We evaluate Section 8 applicants using the same screening criteria as every other applicant. The voucher covers the housing authority's portion of rent, and we verify the tenant's portion meets our income requirements.

​

What if an applicant has a low credit score but great references?

We consider compensating factors. Strong rental history, solid savings, a qualified co-signer, or explainable circumstances like medical debt can offset a score below 650. Every situation gets an individualized review.