- (360) 551-4022
- Serving Kitsap & Mason County
Every problem a rental property can have such as late rent, property damage, disputes with neighbors, eviction; traces back to who you let in the front door. No amount of lease language or management experience compensates for a bad tenant placement. The screening happens before the tenant moves in, which is also the only moment you have full control over the outcome.
Heron Homes 360’s screening process is thorough, consistent, and fully compliant with Washington state fair housing law. We apply the same criteria to every applicant, document every decision, and give you final approval on every placement.
A full credit report showing payment history, open accounts, outstanding debts, and any collection activity. We look for patterns such as consistent on-time payments across housing and utility accounts matter more than a single credit score number.
A nationwide criminal background search, conducted in compliance with Washington state fair chance housing guidelines and federal fair housing law. We evaluate findings individually. Not every record disqualifies an applicant, and we never apply blanket exclusions.
We verify employment and income directly with the employer. Applicants are expected to demonstrate income equal to at least three times the monthly rent. For self-employed applicants, we review tax returns and bank statements to establish consistent earnings.
We contact current and previous landlords (going back a minimum of two years where possible) to verify tenancy dates, payment history, and any lease violations or damage claims. Previous landlord reference is often the single most predictive piece of the screening package.
A nationwide eviction records search. Past evictions aren’t automatic disqualifiers, but they factor heavily into the overall picture and get evaluated case-by-case alongside the rest of the application.
Standard ID verification confirms applicants are who they say they are; a basic but essential first step in fraud prevention.
Washington state has some of the strongest fair housing protections in the country including protections for source of income (Section 8 vouchers cannot be categorically rejected) and fair chance housing requirements around criminal records. Every screening Heron Homes 360 conducts is built around these legal requirements.
That’s not just a compliance statement. It’s practical protection for owners. Screening mistakes that seem minor can become expensive fair housing complaints, and the only sure way to avoid them is to run every applicant through the same criteria with the same documentation.
That’s what we do, every time.
A complete screening typically takes two to four business days from the moment the applicant submits a complete application. Delays usually come from one of two places: applicants not responding to employment verification requests, or previous landlords taking time to return a reference call. We actively chase both to keep the timeline moving, because a property sitting vacant is lost income every day.
Heron Homes 360 runs the screening and makes a recommendation, but you approve every placement. If something in an application makes you uncomfortable (within the bounds of fair housing law), we’ll keep looking. Our job is to bring you qualified candidates; your job is to be the final gatekeeper on who moves into your property.
Every screening includes a full credit report, nationwide criminal background check, employment and income verification at 3x monthly rent, contact with current and previous landlords, nationwide eviction records search, and identity verification. Every applicant goes through the same process with no exceptions, and no shortcuts.
We don’t use a single cutoff. A credit score is one data point alongside payment history, open accounts, and overall financial stability. Generally, we look for consistent on-time payment patterns over the last two years. An applicant with a lower score and a strong rental history can still be a great tenant; a high score with a history of missed housing payments is more concerning.
We contact the employer directly to verify current employment status, position, and income. For self-employed applicants, we review the two most recent tax returns and bank statements showing consistent business deposits. Our standard requirement is verified income of at least three times the monthly rent.
Washington state fair chance housing law requires individualized assessment of any criminal record. Blanket exclusions based on criminal history alone are not permitted. We evaluate findings in context, considering the nature of the offense, how recent it was, and relevant rehabilitation factors. We document every decision carefully to maintain full fair housing compliance.
Our approval process is designed to remove uncertainty for owners. We discuss any concerns or preferences prior to marketing the property, so once an applicant has been approved through our screening standards, owners can feel confident moving forward
Most screenings complete in two to four business days. Timing depends largely on how quickly previous landlords and employers respond. We actively follow up to keep the process moving, because every day of vacancy is money you’re not earning.
Closed on the weekends and all major holidays
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