Tenant Screening in Highland, Utah

Every applicant receives a full tri-merge credit report, national criminal background check, sex offender registry search, nationwide eviction history search, employment and income verification, and previous landlord reference checks. We verify that reported income meets at least 3× the monthly rent and confirm employment stability. Criminal history is reviewed individually, considering the nature, severity, and recency of any record, in line with HUD guidance on the use of criminal records in housing decisions.

Most screening reports are complete within 24 hours of the applicant submitting their application. Credit and criminal checks return within minutes; income and landlord verification may take 1–2 business days depending on employer and landlord responsiveness. We follow up proactively to avoid delays that could cost you a qualified applicant.

We work with each owner to establish customized screening criteria that comply with Fair Housing law. Common thresholds include a minimum credit score (typically 600–650), gross income of at least 3× monthly rent, and no recent evictions. We do not use a blanket rule for criminal history: any record is reviewed individually, based on its nature, severity, and how long ago it occurred. Criteria are applied consistently to every applicant and documented in writing.

Screening costs are typically passed through to the applicant as an application fee, so there is no direct cost to you as the property owner. Application fees are meant to cover the actual cost of obtaining screening reports. We handle all fee collection and disclosure requirements.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, applicants have the right to dispute inaccurate information. We provide every denied applicant with an adverse action notice that includes the name and contact information of the reporting agency, their right to obtain a free copy of their report, and their right to dispute inaccurate information. This protects both you and the applicant.

Highland and Alpine share large-lot character, but Highland is more accessible with slightly smaller typical lot sizes and more developed commercial amenities (especially with the new Town Center). Highland's housing stock tends to be newer on average, and prices, while premium, are generally below Alpine's top tier. For investors, Highland may offer better liquidity because more homes trade and rents sit slightly below Alpine's top range. Both are in the Alpine School District.

Highland Town Center is a mixed-use development that's transforming the city's identity from a purely residential bedroom community into a place with walkable dining, shopping, and gathering spaces. The development includes restaurants, retail, and residential components. For existing Highland property owners and investors, the Town Center adds lifestyle amenities that enhance rental marketability, tenants can now walk to dinner or coffee rather than driving to American Fork for everything. This is a meaningful quality-of-life improvement that supports rent growth and tenant retention.

4-bedroom homes in Highland typically rent for $2,500–$3,500, with 5-6 bedroom homes on large lots reaching $3,500–$5,000. These rents reflect the premium location, school district, and property quality. Acquisition costs in the $600K–$900K range mean cash-on-cash returns are modest, but appreciation has been strong and consistent. Highland is a wealth-building market for investors who value stability, low management intensity, and longer average occupancy. The small inventory of rentals means well-priced listings generate immediate interest.