What are the Fair Housing Act protected classes I cannot discriminate against?
▼
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on 7 protected classes: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (families with children under 18), and disability. Many states and cities add additional protections for source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and age. You must apply screening criteria equally to ALL applicants — document your criteria in writing before you advertise.
What credit score should I require for tenants?
▼
Most landlords require a minimum credit score of 620–700. However, rather than setting a hard floor, look at the full credit picture: recent late payments and collections (especially rent/utilities) are bigger red flags than old medical debt. Also consider requiring a higher security deposit or co-signer for borderline applicants. In some jurisdictions (Seattle, LA), you may have restrictions on how you use credit history.
How much income should a tenant have to qualify?
▼
The standard income requirement is 2.5–3x the monthly rent in gross (pre-tax) income. For a $1,500/month apartment, require $3,750–$4,500/month gross income. For a $3,000/month home, require $7,500–$9,000/month. Accept multiple income sources: employment, self-employment (request 2 years of tax returns), Social Security, disability, and investment income. Some jurisdictions restrict how you apply income requirements to Section 8 vouchers.
Can I reject an applicant for a prior eviction?
▼
In most states, yes — you can reject an applicant with a prior eviction, particularly if it is recent. However, some cities (Seattle, San Jose, and others) have enacted "eviction history" protections requiring landlords to consider the age and circumstances of the eviction. Always apply the criterion consistently and document your decision. If you deny an applicant, provide an adverse action notice as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
How long should I keep tenant screening records?
▼
Keep all screening records (applications, credit reports, reference check notes, denial letters) for a minimum of 3 years after the tenancy ends or 3 years after the application date for rejected applicants. Fair Housing complaints can be filed up to 2 years after an alleged violation, so records are critical for your defense. Store records securely and protect sensitive personal information.