As a property owner, finding the right tenant is one of the most important steps in protecting your investment. Proper tenant screening helps ensure your property is cared for, rent is paid on time, and potential legal headaches are minimized. At LandlordTampa.com, we take tenant screening seriously, using a thorough yet efficient process to protect both you and your property. Our Tenant Screening Process While we don’t disclose every detail for security reasons, here’s an overview of our approach: Background Checks – We check applicants for criminal history and prior evictions. This helps reduce the risk of renting to tenants who may pose a problem. Credit Verification – Applicants’ credit scores and reports are reviewed to ensure they have a history of meeting financial obligations. This step helps identify tenants likely to pay rent on time. Income and Employment Verification – We confirm that applicants have sufficient income to cover the rent. This protects both the tenant and the property owner by reducing the chance of late payments or missed rent. References – Past landlords or personal references provide additional insight into the tenant’s reliability, behavior, and property care. By combining these checks, we reduce the likelihood of late payments, property damage, or evictions, protecting your financial and legal interests. Benefits of Proper Tenant Screening Reduces Risk – Screening helps avoid tenants who could damage your property or violate lease terms. Minimizes Late Payments – Verifying income and reviewing credit history ensures tenants are financially capable of meeting rent obligations. Lowers Eviction Chances – Proper screening decreases the likelihood of having to start costly and time-consuming eviction proceedings. Tips for Landlords Who Self-Manage Even if you’re managing your property independently, these best practices can make a huge difference: Set Clear Requirements – Establish minimum credit scores, income levels, and background standards before accepting applications. Verify Everything – Don’t rely solely on an application; check employment, income, and references. Use a Standardized Application – This keeps the process fair and legally compliant. Document Everything – Keep copies of applications, approvals, and communications in case of disputes. Tenant screening is the foundation of successful property management. Taking the time to carefully vet applicants now saves you stress, money, and headaches later. At Landlord Tampa, our professional screening process ensures you can rent your property with confidence.

Application Process Applicants will be provided with a sample lease and an itemized information sheet detailing all charges, deposits, and fees at the outset. The leasing process typically takes 10-14 days. Please allow this amount of time before expecting to receive keys. Landlord verification will be obtained from the most recent landlord. Employment verification may be obtained from the supervisor if paystubs are not sufficient. Tenants must make 3 times the amount of rent per month. All adult occupants (18+) must submit their own separate application and pay the non-refundable application fee. Each application must include a copy of a government-issued photo ID for identity verification purposes. Applications must be fully completed, legible, and truthful. Incomplete, missing, or misleading information will result in denial. A lease must start on a weekday (not Saturday or Sunday). Apply online at: STB Management - Application Application Criteria All tenants must be 18+ years or older must apply and provide photo ID. Non-U.S. Citizens must provide proof of lawful presence. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Application fee: $100 per adult (non-refundable). Each adult must apply separately. Rental Requirements Income: 3x rent (single applicant) or 3.5x rent (multiple applicants). Verification required (paystubs, tax returns, bank statements, government income letters). Residency: 2 years verifiable history. No late payments, NSF checks, noise complaints, or damages. Relatives not accepted as references. Credit: Minimum 650 FICO. Applicants with serious derogatory history may be required to pay last month’s rent in advance. Evictions or landlord debts are automatic denials. Criminal: No felonies, drug/sex offenses, or crimes against persons/property. Arrests must show proof of innocence/disposition. Application fee: $100 per adult (non-refundable). Upon Acceptance of Tenant(s) Tenants may be required to complete a separate application if moving into a Condo or Homeowner’s Association. STB Management does not pay or waive other company application fees. Leases will be sent electronically via DocuSign for signature. Upon signing, the tenant must make move-in payments via DoorLoop: first month’s rent, prorated rent (if applicable), security deposit, and non-refundable pet fee (if applicable). Keys are released only on the day of move-in. Lease Signing Tenants shall pay a non-refundable lease preparation fee of $150 to cover the costs associated with preparing, reviewing, and processing the lease agreement. No property is guaranteed until the lease is signed and executed. All required funds must be received at the time of lease signing. Lease prep typically takes 2 business days but may take longer. Tenants have 48 hours to return the signed lease and provide funds due prior to move-in. Applicants will be reminded of all fees, charges, deposits, and lease obligations before signing. Funds Due Prior to Move-In Security Deposit First Month’s Rent Prorated Rent (if applicable) Last Month’s Rent (if required) Non-refundable Pet Fee (if applicable) Community Association Fees (if applicable) If association approval is required, tenants must comply with their application process and fees. Proof of acceptance is required prior to occupancy. Failure to provide proof may result in lease cancellation and loss of deposits. Tenant agrees to comply with all rules, regulations, and policies of the homeowners’ or condominium association at all times during the term of this lease. Keys Released only on move-in date. Never early. Access keys/mail keys/FOBs may need to be obtained from the HOA at tenant’s expense unless otherwise agreed in writing. Lease Obligations Rent due on the 1st of each month, payable via DoorLoop Tenant Portal. Debit/credit card (fees apply) or e-check (free). Tenant responsible for pest control, utilities, minor repairs, HVAC filters, smoke alarm batteries, light bulbs, and mold prevention. Tenant responsible for lawn/exterior maintenance unless the landlord provides service. Tenants must provide 60-day written notice before lease end date. Renter’s insurance required: $100,000 liability minimum with STB Management listed as ‘additional interest.’ Proof required before keys are released. All units are non-smoking. Mandatory Move-Out Charges: cleaning, carpet cleaning, rekeying (market rate). Pet Policy $400 non-refundable fee. All pets must be pre-approved by management prior to move-in. Approval is not guaranteed and may be revoked if false information is provided. Tenant remains responsible for all pet-related damages beyond normal wear and tear. Required Information for Each Pet: Pet’s name Type (dog, cat, etc.) Breed (mixed breeds must be listed as well) Age Weight Color/markings Proof of vaccinations (rabies, distemper, etc.) Spay/neuter certificate (if applicable) Photo of pet (full body, clear picture)

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