Practical guidance on screening rental applicants legally and consistently in California.
Why This Topic Matters
Inconsistent screening is one of the most common triggers for Fair Housing complaints in California. A documented, standardized process protects landlords—and ensures applicants are evaluated fairly.
What You’ll Find Here
What landlords can and cannot ask applicants
How to build a consistent screening criteria document
Common screening mistakes that create legal exposure
Source-of-income and other California-specific protections
Our content is written by housing professionals with experience in East Bay rentals, property management, and residential real estate. We focus on practical, real-world guidance — not legal advice — to help renters and property owners make informed decisions.
Most landlords picture the job as “collects rent, calls a plumber.” That’s the smallest part. We break down the real day-to-day — leasing, screening, compliance,… continue reading…
💡 Thursday Landlord Tip Flexible tenant screening often feels fair — but in California, it’s one of the most common sources of Fair Housing exposure.… continue reading…
“I look at the whole picture.” “I use common sense.” “Every situation is different.” These phrases sound reasonable—but they’re exactly what creates Fair Housing exposure… continue reading…
💡Thursday Landlord Tip Most Fair Housing violations aren’t intentional — they’re procedural. In California, inconsistent tenant screening practices are one of the most common triggers… continue reading…
Questions about rentals, tenant rules, or property decisions?
Our East Bay property management team shares clear, practical guidance for owners, renters, and investors—and we’re always happy to help clarify your specific situation.
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests
10 minutes
__utmb
Used to distinguish new sessions and visits. This cookie is set when the GA.js javascript library is loaded and there is no existing __utmb cookie. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
30 minutes after last activity
__utmc
Used only with old Urchin versions of Google Analytics and not with GA.js. Was used to distinguish between new sessions and visits at the end of a session.
End of session (browser)
__utmz
Contains information about the traffic source or campaign that directed user to the website. The cookie is set when the GA.js javascript is loaded and updated when data is sent to the Google Anaytics server
6 months after last activity
__utmv
Contains custom information set by the web developer via the _setCustomVar method in Google Analytics. This cookie is updated every time new data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
2 years after last activity
__utmx
Used to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test.
18 months
_ga
ID used to identify users
2 years
_gali
Used by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked
30 seconds
_ga_
ID used to identify users
2 years
_gid
ID used to identify users for 24 hours after last activity
24 hours
_gat
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests when using Google Tag Manager
1 minute
_gac_
Contains information related to marketing campaigns of the user. These are shared with Google AdWords / Google Ads when the Google Ads and Google Analytics accounts are linked together.
90 days
Marketing cookies are used to follow visitors to websites. The intention is to show ads that are relevant and engaging to the individual user.
Google Maps is a web mapping service providing satellite imagery, real-time navigation, and location-based information.
Tries to estimate the users' bandwidth on pages with integrated YouTube videos. Also used for marketing
179 days
PREF
This cookie stores your preferences and other information, in particular preferred language, how many search results you wish to be shown on your page, and whether or not you wish to have Google’s SafeSearch filter turned on.
10 years from set/ update
YSC
Registers a unique ID to keep statistics of what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
Session
DEVICE_INFO
Used to detect if the visitor has accepted the marketing category in the cookie banner. This cookie is necessary for GDPR-compliance of the website.
179 days
LOGIN_INFO
This cookie is used to play YouTube videos embedded on the website.
2 years
VISITOR_PRIVACY_METADATA
Youtube visitor privacy metadata cookie
180 days
GPS
Registers a unique ID on mobile devices to enable tracking based on geographical GPS location.
Get your free eBook 5 Mistakes Landlords Make in the East Bay and start protecting your investment today.
By submitting, you consent to receive emails from All East Bay Properties. We never sell your information.
One more thing…
Get the trivia answer texted to you every Wednesday — before we post it anywhere else. Add your mobile number below to join. 2 msgs/week max.
By providing your phone number you agree to receive promotional messages from AllEastBay. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel · HELP for help. Terms · Privacy
Your eBook is on its way!
Check your inbox in a few minutes — and your spam folder if you don't see it.
We couldn't add your mobile number this time, but your eBook is on its way.
