Module 4 · Vacancy & Tenant Safety Plan
This is education only, not legal advice. It's a discussion guide for you and your property manager. Screening rules vary a lot by state and city — things like source-of-income protections and how far back you can look at criminal history are not the same everywhere — so always confirm your specific area's landlord-tenant and fair housing laws with your PM or attorney before finalizing anything below.
You're not at the mercy of whoever shows up first. Deciding in advance what "qualified" looks like — and knowing what to expect from the process — turns an unknown into a plan.
Section 1
Decide these for yourself, then bring them to your property manager — this isn't an evaluation of any applicant, just your own starting point. Fill this out before you have any applicants in mind, not after meeting someone — that's what keeps your criteria fair and consistent.
🔒 Your answers stay on this device and are never seen or transmitted. The examples below (like "3x rent") are just showing the format we mean — not numbers we're recommending. What's reasonable and legal for your area is a conversation for your PM or attorney.
Format example only — not a recommended number.
Format example only — not a recommended standard.
Format example only.
Format example only.
Format example only.
Section 2
Check these off as you review them — this is what a normal, fair screening process looks like.
Section 3
Watch-items to talk through together — not a checklist for judging any specific person.
Next Step
Once you've looked at reserves and read through this guide, book a free UNSTUCK Conversation. We'll factor a realistic reserves target and conservative rent into your numbers — so you're not building this on hope.
Schedule My UNSTUCK ConversationNo cost. No obligation.