N.J. Admin. Code § 5:80-7.3 - Screening criteria

(a) The Agency supports the owner's desire to select responsible tenants.

(b) Owners are expected to exercise sound judgment in the tenant selection process. The fact that an applicant qualifies for program benefits does not mean that he or she is a suitable tenant.

(c) Owners may consider the following factors when screening applicants. These factors are not all inclusive and the absence of any of these factors is not sufficient reason to reject an applicant. Costs of credit checks and home visits may be charged as a project expense.

1. Demonstrated ability to pay rent and make timely payment.

2. Comments from prior landlords: Tenants with histories of damaging units are obviously high risks. The endorsement of at least two prior landlords is preferable over the judgment of a present landlord. A responsible tenant may receive a bad recommendation just as a bad tenant might receive a good recommendation from the present landlord. The other landlord's interests are not always the same as the owner's interests.

3. Good credit references: Although the benefits of a credit check are debatable, credit checks may be useful when no rent-paying history is available. However, the lack of a credit history may not automatically disqualify an applicant.

4. Housekeeping habits: So-called "home visits" can be particularly valuable to make certain that the applicant maintains his or her housing unit in an acceptable manner.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 5:80-7.3