Tenant Screening Policy


At First & Main Property Management, we are committed to providing fair and consistent tenant screening practices in compliance with California Civil Code §1950.6 and the Fair Housing Act. To ensure transparency and reduce unnecessary application fees, we require all prospective tenants to carefully review our minimum qualification standards before submitting an application.


Important Notice


We only review and process applications that meet all of the minimum criteria below. Please do not apply unless you meet these standards. Application fees are non-refundable once your application has been screened, but we will refund any application fee for applicants not reviewed within 7 calendar days as required by law.


Minimum Qualification Standards

  • Credit Score: 700 minimum FICO score (from at least one applicant)
  • Income Requirement: Verifiable monthly household gross income of 3x the monthly rent
  • Rental History: No evictions or unlawful detainers in the last 5 years
  • Bankruptcies: No active bankruptcies; must be discharged for at least 3 years
  • References: Positive landlord references confirming timely payments, lease compliance, and property upkeep
  • Identification: Valid government-issued photo ID for all adult applicants
  • Occupancy Limits: No more than 2 persons per bedroom unless otherwise permitted by law


What We Evaluate

We use a third-party screening service to collect:

  • A full consumer credit report
  • A criminal background check (evaluated per California’s individualized assessment laws)
  • A rental history and eviction search
  • Income verification (pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements)

All applicants will receive a copy of their screening report and an itemized receipt showing how the screening fee was used, per California law.


Selection Process

We operate under a "Best Qualified" selection model — not “First Come, First Served.”

Applications are reviewed once all required documents are submitted. If multiple applicants meet the minimum qualifications, the most qualified applicant will be approved based on:

  • Strength of credit
  • Depth of rental history
  • Stability of income
  • Household fit and readiness


Exceptions & Individual Assessments

We believe in flexibility and may approve applicants who fall short in one area if other strengths are evident. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and fully documented in compliance with Fair Housing guidelines.

Example: An applicant with a 680 credit score may be approved if they have 10 years of positive rental history, verifiable income well over the requirement, and no collections or late payments in the past 12 months.


Refund Policy for Application Fees

Per Civil Code §1950.6:

  • If your application is not reviewed, your screening fee will be refunded within 7 calendar days
  • If your application is reviewed, the fee becomes non-refundable, even if not selected
  • All applicants will receive a copy of their screening report and a receipt of costs


Need Help?

We encourage transparency. If you're unsure about your qualifications, please email us at [your screening email address] before applying. We’re happy to help you assess eligibility and avoid unnecessary fees.