Choosing the right resident is the single biggest factor in your rental’s performance. Strong tenant selection lowers delinquency, reduces turnover, and protects your asset. But what exactly goes into an approval? As Los Angeles Property Management experts, TGN Property Management follows a consistent, transparent, and fully compliant screening framework that balances risk with fairness. Below is our criteria overview and how we apply it across Los Angeles rentals.Our guiding principles
- Consistency and fairness: We apply the same written criteria to every applicant, every time.
- Compliance first: We adhere to federal Fair Housing laws, California protections, Los Angeles’s Fair Chance Housing Ordinance, and source-of-income rules.
- Whole-profile evaluation: We review the overall strength of an application rather than relying on a single number or factor.
Core approval criteria we use
- Identity verification and eligibility
- Valid government-issued photo ID for each adult applicant.
- Legal name, date of birth, and contact information that matches application documents.
- Number of intended occupants to confirm compliance with local occupancy limits.
- Verification of lawful source(s) of income, which can include wages, benefits, support, and housing subsidies.
- Income and affordability We assess whether the household can reasonably afford the rent and recurring expenses.
- Income-to-rent ratio: Typically 2.5–3.0x the monthly rent in gross verifiable income, adjusted thoughtfully based on property and market conditions.
- Accepted documentation: Recent pay stubs, offer letters, W-2s/1099s, tax returns for self-employed applicants, award letters for benefits, proof of recurring deposits, and, when applicable, voucher documentation.
- Source-of-income compliance: In Los Angeles and across California, we welcome Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers and all lawful subsidies. We calculate affordability using the tenant’s portion plus the voucher or subsidy amount, and we never impose higher income thresholds on voucher holders.
- Stability: We review length of employment or business operation and consistency of deposits, not just headline income.
- Employment verification
- Direct employer verification confirming role, status, and expected hours/pay.
- For self-employed or gig workers: prior-year tax returns, current-year profit-and-loss statements, and bank statements demonstrating consistency.
- For new jobs or relocations: signed offer letter with start date, plus funds on hand to bridge the transition.
- Credit profile and debt load We consider the total credit picture rather than a hard minimum score.
- Factors we weigh: on-time payment history, depth and age of tradelines, credit utilization, and presence of housing-related collections.
- Context matters: We distinguish between minor/dated issues and recent, unresolved housing or utility delinquencies. Evidence of resolution or repayment plans strengthens an application.
- Co-signers/guarantors: When allowed by the property, guarantors must meet stronger income and credit standards and accept joint liability. This option is applied consistently and noted in our published criteria.
- Rental history and landlord references Past performance is a strong predictor of future results.
- Payment history: On-time rent for the past 12–24 months carries significant weight.
- Lease compliance: No serious lease violations, nuisance complaints, or material property damage.
- Proper notice and condition at move-out: We verify whether the applicant gave lawful notice and left the home in acceptable condition.
- Independent verification: We contact prior landlords or use third-party verification to confirm dates, rent amount, and conduct.
- Eviction and court records
- Lawful review only: We review eviction judgments and records to the extent permitted by California law and respect masking rules for recent filings.
- Contextual evaluation: We weigh circumstances, timing, and resolution (for example, dismissals, satisfied judgments, or pandemic-related hardships) as part of a holistic review.
- Criminal history: Los Angeles Fair Chance compliance TGN Property Management fully follows the Los Angeles Fair Chance Housing Ordinance.
- No inquiry until conditional approval: We do not ask about or consider criminal history until after a conditional offer is issued.
- Individualized assessment: If relevant records appear, we evaluate the nature, severity, and timing in relation to the housing risk and the specific unit, following HUD guidance.
- Rights and notices: If we consider withdrawing a conditional offer based on criminal history, we provide written notice, a copy of the report, and a defined period for the applicant to offer corrections or mitigating information. We document our assessment and final decision.
- Pets, assistance animals, and household profile
- Pet screening: For pet-friendly homes, we evaluate pet age, breed restrictions where lawful, vaccination records, and behavior history. We may charge pet rent as allowed. Security deposit rules are followed under California law.
- Assistance animals: Service and support animals are not pets. We process reasonable accommodation requests in compliance with fair housing and do not charge pet fees or deposits for assistance animals.
- Occupancy standards: We follow local health and safety occupancy guidelines and building rules.
- Insurance and move-in funds
- Renters insurance: Often required to protect personal belongings and provide liability coverage, with reasonable accommodations where required by law.
- Move-in funds: We verify that applicants can deliver the first month’s rent and legally permissible security deposit by move-in. We comply with current California deposit limits and timelines.
- Document accuracy and fraud prevention Application fraud is a growing risk in large metros.
- Verification tools: We use screening technology and manual checks to validate pay stubs, bank statements, and IDs.
- Cross-checks: Mismatched names, altered PDFs, or unverifiable employers trigger requests for additional documentation.
- Consistent standards: The same verification steps are applied to all applicants.
The Screening Process, Step By Step
- Published criteria: Applicants receive our written criteria upfront so they can self-qualify.
- State-capped screening fee: Any application fee is within California’s legal cap and covers credit, background (as permitted), and verification costs.
- Fast timelines: Most complete applications receive a decision within 1–3 business days, subject to third-party verifications.
- Adverse action notices: If we must decline an application or require conditions (such as a higher deposit within legal limits or a guarantor), we provide the appropriate written notices and disclosures.
Los Angeles Specifics Every Owner and Renter Should Know
As Los Angeles Property Management experts, we tailor our process to local rules and realities:
- Rent stabilization and local ordinances: If a property falls under LA’s rent stabilization or other municipal programs, we ensure the lease terms, notices, and disclosures reflect the latest requirements.
- Source-of-income protections: Advertising and screening materials clearly state that vouchers and all lawful sources of income are accepted. Our affordability calculations align with these protections.
- Fair Chance procedures: We maintain the conditional offer process, individualized assessments, and documentation required by LA’s ordinance.
- Anti-discrimination training: Our team receives ongoing education on federal, state, and city fair housing rules to ensure compliant, consistent decisions.
What This Means For Property Owners
- Reduced risk: Consistent, data-backed criteria lower the chances of delinquency and costly turnover.
- Faster decisions: Clear documentation requirements accelerate approvals and lease-ups.
- Legal protection: By following Los Angeles and California rules precisely, TGN Property Management shields owners from avoidable claims and penalties.
- Better resident relationships: Transparency builds trust, which supports on-time payments and renewals.
Why Partner With TGN Property Management
As Los Angeles Property Management experts, TGN Property Management delivers a fair, efficient, and fully compliant tenant approval process:
- Clear criteria published upfront
- Thorough verification without dragging out timelines
- LA-specific compliance baked into every step
- Owner reporting that explains decisions and documents files
Have a rental in Los Angeles and want confident leasing decisions without legal headaches?
Contact TGN Property Management
Our Los Angeles Property Management experts will share our full screening criteria, sample notices, and a step-by-step plan to place qualified residents while protecting your property and complying with every rule that applies.