Every good Utah landlord should have a list of rental criteria. Rental criteria is used to determine the eligibility of an applicant and has to be applied fairly to all applicants. A good landlord will have a printed page or electronic version of their criteria that is given to each applicant. This will set expectations and will save you time as those who do not meet your rental criteria will seek housing elsewhere.
Lance Anderson of Anderson Insurance Group has more than 25 years of experience as a Utah landlord and uses the below rental criteria for his properties. Feel free to modify and use this list of rental criteria for your own properties:
Lance Anderson Rental Criteria:
These are the standards we use to fairly qualify each applicant. Eash application will be processed quickly and on a first come-first serve basis. Any false or misleading statements will result in an automatic denial.
$35.00 Non-refundable application fee: By signing the application to rent you consent to credit, background, motor vehicle record and other investigative reports. Each applicant over the age of 18 must complete an application and pay the $35.00 application fee.
Photo Identification: Each applicant age 18 and over must provide current and government issued photo ID.
Employment: At least two adult applicants must have full time employment in the same field or with the same employer for at least six months. Employment history will be verified. Exceptions can be discussed for recently graduated students, retired persons or a one income household with a strong history of income and employment. Exceptions may include an additional deposit or cosigner.
Income Requirements: The combined income of all applicants must be three times the monthly rent.
Rental History: Applicants with a history of evictions, lease defaults, late payments will be declined. You must provide name and contact information for your previous two landlords and upon request all addresses where you have lived for the last five years.
Renter’s Insurance: All applicants must show proof of renters insurance BEFORE keys will be provided. The renter’s insurance must include the property owners as certificate holder. All policies must include a liability limit of at least $300,000 with no animal exclusions.
Credit History: All applicant’s credit must be in good standing with no bankruptcy’s in the last three years. Applicants with collections or delinquencies may be discussed with a large additional deposit.
Criminal History: Applicants with a criminal history will be declined. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. You are not eligible to rent from us if you have committed a crime that requires you to be listed on a public list of offenders or if you fail to disclose any criminal activity.
Numbers of Occupants: This is a ___ bedroom home and a maximum occupancy of ____. If occupancy exceeds that amount a three day notice to comply will immediately be posted. Failure to comply with result in immediate eviction from the property including forfeiture of rent and deposits.
Sub Leasing: Sub leasing or renting of rooms to family members or others is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate eviction and forfeiture of all rent and deposits. ALL additional adult or child occupants must be disclosed to the landlord before occupancy and complete an application with associated fees and background checks and if approved pay an additional rental amount.
Pets: Dogs may be approved if they weigh less than 30 lbs. and are not on an insurance company’s aggressive dog list which includes but is not limited to: Pit Bulls including all associated breeds, Huskys, German Shepherds, Rottweilers or any other dog found on the list. An additional deposit must be paid and an additional amount of “pet” rent. Renters Insurance must not include any animal liability exclusions. The owner reserves the right to deny application based on size, species or breed.
Our history shows we are committed to equal housing opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disabilities, familial status, sexual orientation or gender identity.
End of Rental Criteria
Good land lording includes setting parameters and rules for your tenants so both parties have the same expectation. This will help you have good long-term tenants who will respect your property.
All Anderson Insurance agents have been trained to provide the best landlord insurance in Utah. Call or click today for more information.
