Screening tenants the right way helps you avoid costly problems while staying compliant with Arizona law. Here’s what to do:
1️⃣ Follow Arizona & Federal Fair Housing Laws
- You cannot discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, or familial status.
- Some Arizona cities (like Phoenix, Tucson, and Tempe) add protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, and source of income (like housing vouchers).
- Apply the same written criteria to every applicant.
2️⃣ Use a Written Application
- Every adult (18+) must complete a separate application.
- Include full names, birth dates, current addresses, income sources, and consent for background screening.
3️⃣ Verify Identity
Acceptable IDs include:
- Driver’s license, U.S. passport, military ID, green card, or other valid government photo ID.
- Applicants must show legal presence in the U.S.
4️⃣ Confirm Income & Employment
- Require at least 3× monthly rent in gross income.
- Accept pay stubs, bank statements, job offer letters, or tax returns.
- Self-employed applicants can show business bank statements or prior tax filings.
5️⃣ Review Credit Responsibly
- Run a soft credit check.
- Watch for unpaid housing debts, utility collections, recent bankruptcies, or payday loan defaults.
- A clean, responsible history outweighs a perfect score.
6️⃣ Check Criminal History Fairly
- Deny for recent violent or drug-manufacturing felonies (within 5 years).
- Consider older or non-violent convictions case-by-case.
- Registered sex offenders are automatically denied.
7️⃣ Verify Rental History
- Confirm no evictions in the past 3 years.
- No outstanding rent owed to prior landlords.
- No more than 2 late payments or 1 NSF check per year.
8️⃣ Review Pets & Assistive Animals
- Require photos and vaccination records for pets.
- Limit to 4 pets per home.
- Follow HUD guidelines for service and emotional support animals — these are not “pets” under the law.
9️⃣ Understand Occupancy Limits
- Two people per bedroom + one additional person is considered reasonable.
- Some cities, like Tempe, limit unrelated roommates to three.
🔟 Keep Records & Stay Consistent
- Document why each application was approved or denied.
- Never accept cash without paper trail.
- Stay within A.R.S. § 33-1321 to § 33-1368 for security deposits, leases, and tenant obligations.
Bottom line:
Screening is your first line of defense against late rent and property damage. Be thorough, be consistent, and stay compliant.