Why We Use Fico 9 For Tenant Screening - And Why It's Ideal for Landlords

Why We Use FICO 9 for Tenant Screening — And Why It’s Ideal for Landlords

At 2912 Realty, we’re committed to simplifying your property management experience and protecting your investment. Part of that means choosing the right tools and standards to find reliable tenants who pay on time, stay longer, and treat your property with respect.

One of the most important tools we use is the credit‑score model known as FICO 9. You may ask: Why FICO 9 (instead of older models)? What difference does it make for you as a landlord? Here’s a breakdown in plain language.


Modern, Relevant Metrics for Today’s Renters


Many older credit‑score models (for example, versions used by mortgage lenders long ago) were designed primarily to predict long‑term loan default risk. But when you’re renting a home, what matters most is consistent, monthly rent payment, minimal disruption, and a tenant who is financially steady for the term of the lease.

FICO 9 is built from more recent data and behaviors that align more closely with the rental market. It offers a more current and relevant view of an applicant’s credit profile, which helps us make better screening decisions.


Fairer Treatment — So We Don’t Miss Good Applicants


Older models often penalize past issues that may no longer reflect current risk.

For example:


  • Paid collections may still hurt an older‑model score, even if the debt was satisfied.
  • Medical collections (which are often outside someone’s control) might be treated harshly.
  • Renters who haven’t built up a long credit history may be judged too harshly.


With FICO 9:


  • Paid collections may be ignored, reducing impact of resolved past issues.
  • Medical debt is weighted less heavily.
  • Applicants with modest credit history get a fairer evaluation.


In practical terms: this means more qualified applicants — not just fewer problems, but also less time vacant.


Better Predictor of On‑Time Rent Payment


What matters most for you: a tenant who shows up each month, pays on time, and respects the home. FICO 9 focuses on recent payment trends, credit‑utilization behavior (how much of available credit someone uses), and responsible management of obligations. These match what we look for in screening for tenancy.

By using FICO 9 as part of our screening standard, we reduce the risk of late payments, lease defaults, and stressful turnovers.


Transparency and Consistency in Screening


When you entrust your property to 2912 Realty, you deserve clear, consistent standards. Using FICO 9 gives us a defensible, data‑driven basis for decisions. If an applicant doesn’t meet our screening criteria, we can point to the model and explain why — rather than citing vague judgment.

This builds trust: you understand why someone was approved (or not), and we maintain a standard that treats all applicants fairly.


What It Means for You as the Owner


In summary:

  • Reduced vacancy time: Fairer standards = larger pool of vetted, eligible applicants.
  • Steadier monthly income: Better screening = fewer missed or late payments.
  • Less stress and disruption: Higher‑quality tenants lead to fewer maintenance surprises, fewer move‑outs, and cleaner turnover.
  • Better value for your investment: By protecting monthly cash flow and minimizing risk, we boost the total return you get.


Our Screening Standard at a Glance


When we evaluate prospective tenants, we look at:


  • Their FICO 9 score
  • Payment history (rent + other obligations)
  • Credit utilization and recent credit behavior
  • Employment, income stability, and supporting financials
  • Rental history (if available)


We combine these data points with our property‑specific criteria (location, condition, lease term) to select tenants who meet both your financial and property‑care standards.


Bottom Line


Using FICO 9 is a strategic choice: it aligns with today’s rental market, treats good tenants fairly, and supports our goal of making your ownership experience smoother, more profitable, and less stressful.




At 2912 Realty, we don’t just manage properties — we protect your investment. And our screening process reflects that. Have questions?

If you’d like to dig deeper into how we screen tenants, what FICO 9 means in practice, or how this affects your property specifically — we’re happy to walk you through it.

Contact us anytime.

How Tenants Can Use ChatGPT to Make Their Residency More Enjoyable — And When They Shouldn’t DIY

by Anna King • 24 November 2025
Living in a rental home should feel easy, comfortable, and stress-free. Nobody wants to wait on maintenance for every little inconvenience, especially in a single-family home or individually owned condo where there isn’t an onsite maintenance person. These residents often experience longer wait times simply because repairs must be scheduled with outside vendors. This is exactly where ChatGPT can make life much more enjoyable for tenants. With quick, friendly guidance, tenants can solve many small annoyances in minutes instead of days. A quiet fix today means a calmer, more convenient living experience tomorrow. At the same time, it’s honest and fair to admit something important: When tenants safely handle small resets or basic troubleshooting, it reduces unnecessary maintenance calls. And that benefits everyone: Landlords save money by avoiding service fees for minor fixes. Tenants enjoy quicker comfort and may benefit from cost savings that help keep rental prices stable. Both parties experience smoother communication and fewer delays. This isn’t about shifting responsibility — it’s about empowering tenants with tools that make daily living easier while still protecting the property. Safe, Simple Fixes ChatGPT Can Walk Tenants Through 1. Resetting the Garbage Disposal ChatGPT can guide tenants through locating the reset button, clearing safe blockages, and performing basic checks. If the disposal immediately trips again, jams repeatedly, or won’t restart, that’s a sign of a deeper issue and should be reported. 2. Resetting the Thermostat or HVAC Breaker Sometimes the system simply needs a reset or a corrected setting. ChatGPT can help tenants confirm this quickly. But if the system keeps shutting off or struggles to heat or cool, the landlord must be notified. 3. Resetting a GFCI Outlet ChatGPT can explain how to locate the outlet and use the TEST and RESET buttons. If the GFCI keeps tripping, that can indicate moisture, an appliance problem, or wiring fault that must be reported immediately. 4. Simple Day-to-Day Troubleshooting ChatGPT can help tenants address small quality-of-life annoyances like: Shifting toilet seats Squeaky hinges Low refrigerator settings Beeping smoke detectors Clogged dryer lint screens Wi-Fi optimization tips When Tenants Should Not Use ChatGPT Some issues require a professional — no exceptions. Tenants should report the following immediately: Electrical issues, repeated breaker tripping, or burning smells Leaks, running water, or slow drains HVAC failures after a reset Gas smells or pilot light problems Structural concerns such as cracks, sagging, or ceiling moisture The Rule of Thumb If it’s a one-time reset or simple adjustment, ChatGPT is perfect. If it happens again — contact your landlord. The Win-Win Outcome When tenants use ChatGPT for small, safe tasks: They enjoy faster comfort. The home stays in better condition. Landlords avoid unnecessary service costs. True repairs get attention sooner. ChatGPT becomes a helpful partner, making rental living smoother, simpler, and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

How 2912 Realty Determines Renewal Pricing for Your Rental Property

by Anna King • 17 November 2025
Our data-driven process that maximizes your return and minimizes vacancy risk. When a tenant’s lease approaches renewal, the pricing decision you make today directly impacts your long-term cash flow, occupancy stability, and property performance. At 2912 Realty, we don’t guess, generalize, or rely on broad averages. We use a precise, micro market approach to determine the optimal renewal rate for your rental home. Whether you own a single property or a growing portfolio, here’s exactly how we analyze renewal pricing — and how our process protects your investment. 1. We Start With Tenant Performance Renewal pricing begins with the tenant already in place. A strong, stable renter is a valuable asset. Our evaluation includes: - Payment history and consistency - Communication quality - Care of the property - Length of tenancy - Renewal probability In many cases, retaining a great tenant is the highest-value outcome — especially when local rental markets soften or when turnover costs outweigh potential rent increases. 2. We Conduct a Hyper-Local Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) This is where 2912 Realty specializes. We never rely on zip-code averages or automated online estimates. Instead, we perform a hyper-local CMA tailored specifically to your home, analyzing: - Comparable homes within 0.5–1 mile - Properties with similar size, condition, age, and features - Active rental listings (current competition) - Recently leased properties (actual tenant-paid prices) - Neighborhood-level supply and demand trends This micro-market approach gives us a true snapshot of rental value, ensuring your renewal pricing is justified, competitive, and aligned with real-time conditions. 3. We Evaluate Market Conditions and Timing Local rental markets shift constantly. We factor in: - Seasonal leasing cycles - Rental demand in your immediate neighborhood - The number of competing rentals available - Broader economic and employment trends - Market rent growth or softening - School district timing and corporate move patterns Pricing a renewal in July behaves very differently from pricing one in December. Our goal is to align your renewal rate with the ideal moment in the leasing cycle to avoid unnecessary vacancy. 4. We Present Two Optimized Renewal Options Owners receive a clear, market-supported set of options that balance revenue with risk. Option A: 12-Month Renewal A stable annual lease paired with a modest, data-supported rent increase. This option encourages retention and predictable cash flow. Option B: Month-to-Month Renewal A premium rate that reflects: - Flexibility given to the tenant - Higher exposure to vacancy - Unpredictability of term length - Administrative and market-timing risk This premium is intentionally higher because month-to-month tenancy carries more risk for the owner. 5. You Receive a Clear Summary — Not a Data Dump Your time is valuable. Our renewal proposal provides: - The recommended renewal price - Supporting market data - Seasonal or timing factors - The financial impact of each option - Our professional recommendation You simply reply “Approved”, and we handle the rest — including tenant communication, negotiation, and documentation. Why Our Renewal Pricing Approach Protects Your Investment Setting the right renewal rate isn’t about pushing to the top of the market. It’s about intelligent balance: - Too high ® the tenant leaves, vacancy rises, and cash flow drops. - Too low ® you miss revenue and reduce long-term performance. The 2912 Realty approach ensures your renewal pricing: - Maximizes return - Minimizes vacancy risk - Reflects true neighborhood-level market conditions - Keeps great tenants in place whenever possible - Protects your long-term asset value This is the strategic advantage of a management company that understands both the numbers and the nuance behind successful rental operations. Ready to Optimize Your Rental Portfolio? If you’d like help evaluating renewal pricing or want a data-driven manager to oversee your rental property, we’re here to help. Contact 2912 Realty today to learn how our leasing strategy, renewal structure, and micro-market analysis can elevate your property’s performance.

Why Class 4 Composite Roofs Are the Smart Choice for Texas Rental Properties

by Anna King • 17 October 2025
When you own or manage single-family homes, few maintenance items impact long-term costs more than the roof. Between hail, high winds, and heat, Texas roofs take a beating — and insurance claims can get expensive fast. In the past, we commonly installed standard asphalt shingles (Class 1 or 2). They were cheaper up front and easy to source. But with the sharp increase in severe storms and hail events across Texas, those lower-rated roofs simply don’t hold up. The result? Higher insurance premiums, more frequent claims, and greater out-of-pocket repair costs. That’s why many property owners — including our team — have shifted toward Class 4 composite roofs. While the initial investment is higher, the total cost of ownership over the roof’s lifespan is substantially lower.