What Do Landlords Look for in a Tenant?

Choosing a good tenant is one of the most crucial decisions we make as property managers. An effective tenant is one that is responsible in terms of payments, is a good caretaker of our property, and is communicative. But how do you identify such tenants when you conduct a background inquiry? What do landlords look for in tenants? 

In our property management company in Oklahoma City, we have developed a filtering criteria that we use when considering a potential tenant on behalf of property owners. If you’re interested in property management in Edmond, OK, you’ll notice our approach at First Class Property Solutions is thorough and reliable!

Credit Score Matters More Than You Think

Credit scores of a tenant reveal a lot about a responsible individual when it comes to finance. We usually check for a credit score of 650 or above, although we weigh everything together and do not just depend upon credit scores. An individual might have a slightly lower credit score but a stable job and excellent references.

We also analyze the credit report itself. Late payments, collection accounts, or evictions are definitely warning signs. But we also understand that medical debts or a one-time financial situation do not necessarily indicate current reliability. When landlords look for tenants, this kind of financial evaluation helps ensure long-term stability.

Income Verification and “Three-Times Rule”

Income stability is a priority. Some landlords do not accept applicants making less than three times the monthly rent. An individual earning $1,200 a month in rent, for instance, will need at least a monthly income of $3,600.

In order to check income, we ask for recent pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns in the case of self-employed applicants. We want to make sure that our tenants have no problems making payments without stretching their finances to extremes.

Rent History Shows Patterns

We learn a lot by observing how a person behaves in a particular situation in the past because often, a person will behave in a similar fashion in a similar situation in the present or in the future. This is why a good rental history is important because it tells us that an individual understands how to respect property and will abide by a contract. We may call their previous landlords so that we may get a better idea of the tenant in question. 

Factors that may raise a red flag include moving around too much, unresolved grievances against previous landlords, or a lack of communication with previous landlords. On the positive side, a long tenancy and a positive landlord’s reference weigh heavily in our assessment. These are just some of the things landlords look for in a tenant when making approval decisions.

Background Checks Protect Everyone

We also perform background checks to ensure that our property and our surrounding neighbors are secure. Elements of background checks include criminal records, evictions, as well as all issues pertaining to previous rentals.

While we do not automatically exclude applicants with minor offenses, we consider severe offenses or misconducts as deal-breakers. Be as open as possible in this matter. Applicants that reveal previous offenses immediately and have proof of rehabilitation will definitely earn respect.

Strengthening Bonds Through Communication

In addition to all of that paperwork, we also observe how applicants communicate throughout the process. Are they responsive to emails? Are they polite when viewing property? That also tells us a lot about how they will behave as a tenant.

We also encourage applicants to come prepared with their own questions as well as concerns. This is an excellent means of evaluating if it’s a good fit for everyone involved. As landlords looking for tenants, these interactions go a long way toward building trust and ensuring positive relationships.

Your Path to Approval

This allows you to have an edge when you are looking for a rental property. You need to work towards ensuring that you have a positive credit history, proof of income, and positive landlord relations. You should raise any reservations you may have regarding your application.



Renters in the Oklahoma City region looking for a new property? We're here to assist you. You're welcome to visit our website to take a look at our current rentals and learn all about our application procedure. Landlords looking for help with the renting process? Our property management at First Class Property Solutions is here for you too!