1. take application and copy of paystub, run background check on credit history, past landlord reference, eviction and criminal history check.
2. inform the applicant that he/she is selected.
3. If there are weeks to lease start date, exchange holding deposit and sign holding deposit agreement.
3.1 If renter backout, you can keep holding deposit for damages.
4. On the day before lease start date, meet to take security deposit and first month rent (minus the holding deposit), sign lease, handover keys.
NEVER sign lease and take money without giving keys.
NEVER give keys before lease start. Use Holding Deposit Agreement.