Owner services
Tenant Screening
Screening protects you twice: once from the applicant who cannot afford the unit, and once from the fair housing claim that follows an inconsistent process.
What this covers
In detail
Written, published criteria
Screening standards are set in writing before a unit lists and given to every applicant. Every application is measured against the same standard, in the same order.
Credit and financial review
Credit reporting through a consumer reporting agency, with income and employment verification appropriate to the applicant’s situation.
Rental history verification
Prior landlords contacted directly, with the questions asked consistently across applicants.
Lawful use of records
Criminal history considered only within the limits California and applicable local ordinances allow, including required individualized assessment where it applies. Source of income, including housing vouchers, is never a disqualifier — that is state law.
Documented decisions
Every decision is recorded with its reason, and adverse action notices are issued where required. If a decision is ever questioned, there is a file behind it.
This information is general and for educational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, insurance, or financial advice. Rental regulations change frequently and vary by property. Consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation. Content last reviewed September 2026.
Questions
Common questions about tenant screening
Can I set my own screening criteria?
You can set standards within what the law allows, and we will tell you plainly when a request falls outside it. Criteria must be applied uniformly to every applicant once set.
Do you accept housing vouchers?
California law prohibits refusing an applicant because their income comes from a housing voucher or other lawful source. Voucher holders are screened against the same written criteria as every other applicant, with income calculated on the portion they are responsible for.
Who pays for the screening?
Applicants pay a screening fee, capped by California law and adjusted annually. The current cap is confirmed at the time of application.
Free Rental Analysis
Find out what your property should rent for
A rental analysis gives you a supported rent range for your specific property, the comparable leases behind it, and a straight assessment of what would move that number. No obligation, and no pressure to sign anything.
Schedule a Consultation
Let’s talk about your property
A short conversation is usually enough to tell whether we’re the right fit. We’ll ask about the property, what’s working and what isn’t, and tell you honestly what we would do differently.