St. Louis, Missouri, has seen about 14,630 evictions in the past year. And while they've been on the decline, evictions are a huge problem for landlords and property managers. The good news is that approving the right tenants from the start can go a long way in avoiding costly and time-consuming evictions.

That's where the screening process comes in. Particularly, the tenant criminal background check helps identify applicants who may cause problems later on. It's an important step in creating a safe and stable place for everyone to live.

At HomeRiver Group, we understand the importance of rigorous rental applicant screening. Here's a look at how we go about it.

Identity Verification

The first step after receiving St. Louis rental applications is verifying identity. We require that all applicants provide a valid photo ID to complete their application. This ensures that the person applying is indeed who they claim to be.

We reserve the right to decline an application if one's identity can't be verified. The same is true for incomplete submissions. The policy is in place to safeguard property owners from potential fraud.

Ability to Afford the Property

Evaluating whether an applicant can afford the property is a key aspect of our background check process. To qualify, applicants must have a net income of at least 2.5 times the monthly rent. Those with an income-to-rent ratio of 2-2.49 may still be considered but with a higher security deposit.

Applicants with a ratio below 2.0 will be declined, as they don't meet the affordability requirements. Additionally, assets cannot be used to meet income criteria. We verify all income directly from the source for accuracy and completeness.

History of Paying Bills

A crucial question our tenant screening methods seek to answer is: does the applicant have a history of paying their bills on time? We rely on the TransUnion Resident Score to provide a snapshot of the applicant's creditworthiness, i.e.

• 0-549: Decline
• 550-649: Conditional, with possible additional requirements such as a higher security deposit
• 650+: Accept

We also consider the applicant's bankruptcy and residency histories. Open, discharged, or dismissed bankruptcy applications within the past 3 years may lead to a decline. A history of unpaid landlord collections or pending foreclosures is also a red flag.

Tenant Criminal Background Check

Our thorough but fair criminal background screening process examines an applicant's history in the past 7 years. Drug manufacturing or distribution results in automatic rejection. Other offenses, including violent crimes, financial fraud, drug use, and certain felonies, undergo individual review.

We consider mitigating factors like:

• Circumstances of the offense
• Age at the time of conduct
• Evidence of good tenancy
• Nature and severity of the conviction
• Time elapsed since the incident

Our goal is to ensure safety for all residents and protect your real estate investment. Applications indicating potential threats to others or property may face denial.

Ensure Your Tenants Meet the Highest Standards

A tenant criminal background check is essential for protecting your property and the well-being of your community. Vetting applicants thoroughly can help reduce costs down the line and improve tenant satisfaction. That's why you shouldn't leave this critical step to chance -- partner with HomeRiver Group to ensure every tenant meets your standards.

Feel free to get in touch and discuss your tenant screening needs or other property management services in St. Louis, MI.