Our screening process is built for quality, not speed.
It is tempting to fill a vacancy quickly. Every day an empty property sits costs money. But placing the wrong resident costs far more: missed rent, property damage, legal proceedings, and turnover expenses.
We take the time to screen every applicant thoroughly and consistently. We do not cut corners because the property has been vacant for a few weeks. Our standards do not change based on how anxious we are to fill a unit.
Every applicant is screened across five categories. No single factor determines approval; we evaluate the complete picture.
We verify that applicants earn at least three times the monthly rent. We confirm employment, request pay stubs or tax returns, and contact employers when needed. Sufficient income is the strongest predictor of consistent rent payment.
We contact previous landlords to verify tenancy dates, rent payment history, lease compliance, and whether the landlord would rent to the applicant again. Rental history tells us how an applicant actually behaves as a resident.
We review the credit report for payment patterns, outstanding collections, and overall financial responsibility. We are looking for patterns, not perfection. A single medical collection is different from a pattern of unpaid obligations.
We run a criminal background check in accordance with applicable law. We follow HUD guidance on individualized assessments and do not apply blanket disqualifications. We evaluate the nature, severity, and recency of any findings.
We search eviction records nationwide. Prior evictions are a significant factor in our evaluation. An eviction filing indicates a landlord-tenant relationship that broke down to the point of legal proceedings.
Every applicant is evaluated using the same criteria, applied in the same order, every time. This is not just good practice; it is a legal requirement.
We comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act and Washington State fair housing law. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, or any other protected class under applicable law.
Consistent application of objective criteria is the best protection against fair housing complaints, and it produces better outcomes for owners.
Consider the cost of a bad placement:
Waiting an extra week for the right resident is almost always cheaper than placing the wrong one quickly.
Our screening process is directly connected to the guarantees we make to property owners:
Talk to Miles about how our screening process protects your investment.
Schedule Time with Miles Or call directly: (509) 525-1040