5 Requirements Every Tenant Must Have Before Applying

It's every landlord’s dream to find the perfect tenant who always pays on time, respects their lease agreement, and lives in the property for a long period of time. These tenants are rare, though not impossible. 

For landlords, spending the resources necessary to screen every tenant who fills a rental application properly is in your best interest. Below is a list of five requirements every tenant should have before applying for a rental property.

Security Deposit

A security deposit is an invaluable source of protection for landlords. In a perfect world, a security deposit wouldn't be necessary; however, some tenants are less than ideal. As of right now, the limit for a security deposit is two times the monthly rent for unfurnished units or three times for furnished units. However, after July 1, 2024, the law surrounding security deposit limits is changing.

According to the California Department of Justice, “After July 1, 2024, the limit is one month’s rent. For landlords who own no more than two residential rental properties that collectively include no more than four total units for rent, the limit is two times the monthly rent, but only if the landlord is a natural person or a limited liability company in which all members are natural persons.”

A security deposit is important to a landlord. While you’re meant to return it to your tenant once they’ve moved out, you’re allowed to use it for specific expenses. This includes any past-due rent, the cost of repairing damages that would be considered wear and tear, and the costs of cleaning the property to the same level as when your tenant moved in. If the rental was furnished, you can use the security deposit to replace or restore the furniture if stated in the rental agreement.

Good Credit Score

A good credit score is desirable by landlords, and a car dealership prefers them for the same reason. Credit scores can signal a tenant's ability to manage finances. This means they’ll likely pay rent on time, reducing landlords' risk of missed payments. It also helps landlords select financially responsible tenants. This can aid in securing a stable income from their rental properties. Using a vetting tool is necessary for landlords to avoid potential financial losses, tenant disputes, and unwanted vacancies.

Rental History Evaluation

A good credit score can help landlords find tenants who can pay on time. A tenant's rental history can help landlords discover potential red flags a tenant may have. This can include evictions, convictions, late payments on rent, complaints, or other issues a credit score can't convey. In California, landlords are prohibited from considering convictions that occurred more than seven years ago. A tenant’s rental history can also show if they can reliably care for the property.

Income Verification

A tenant’s rental history and credit score can prove how well a tenant pays and approaches to renting a home. However, it's important to prove they’re still capable of earning enough to pay the asking rent. Verifying employment and income is crucial when a tenant is applying for a rental. This is usually done by requesting documents, including:

• Check Stubs
• Bank Statements
• Tax Forms

Ideally, you want to see that the rent doesn't consume too much of the tenant's income. By providing proof of income, you show a landlord that a tenant has the potential to afford the monthly charge over the lease agreement's time frame.

Renters Insurance

Although California law doesn’t require renters insurance, it's a good habit for landlords to require it when applying for a rental. It's generally seen as a good idea for tenants to have some form of coverage to protect their assets since the landlord's property insurance isn’t liable for any damage to the tenant's items in the case of thefts, fires, or other events that can cause damages which are not covered by the landlord’s insurance.

Finding the perfect tenant may take time, but owning a rental property can be easier to manage once you find them. If you need help screening and vetting potential tenants, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online.