A family that recently listed their first home for rent in Burbank reportedly signed a lease with a tenant they met through a mutual acquaintance without much formality. The tenant, who was in a hurry to find a place to move, seemed to be in a tough situation, so they did not ask for income verification. A few months later, when the rent started to fall behind, they realized that they should have conducted a proper screening. They also learned that the closer you are to someone, the easier it is to skip verification steps.

The first question that comes to mind is how much rent to set. According to Zumper, as of June 2026, the average rent in Burbank is $2,650. A one-bedroom unit is around $2,300, while a two-bedroom unit is about $3,000. However, it's worth noting that as of August 2026, this is a 7.18% decrease compared to a year ago. If the recent trend shows declining prices, it may help reduce vacancy periods by not setting the rent too high.

How do you find tenants? It's essential to post detailed photos and conditions on sites like Zillow Rental Manager or Zumper. Even if the tenant comes through a referral, it's best to guide them through the same conditions and procedures as other applicants to avoid future burdens. If you treat a referred tenant differently, it could lead to fairness issues with other applicants later on.

So, should you screen a tenant referred by someone you know? The answer is yes. Credit scores, income, and previous rental history should be verified regardless of your relationship. By confirming income through pay stubs or employment verification and ensuring that the monthly income is at least three times the rent, you can significantly reduce the risk of future delinquencies. Skipping the credit check just because you were referred can leave you with no evidence if problems arise later.

What should be included in the lease agreement? You need to specify the rent amount and due date, lease term, security deposit amount, late fee clauses, pet and smoking policies, and repair responsibilities in detail. A hastily written contract won't hold up well in disputes. Given Burbank's proximity to studio areas, there may be inquiries related to filming or short-term visitors, so it's helpful to clarify whether subleasing and short-term rentals are allowed in the agreement.

What regulations should landlords in California be aware of? The security deposit is typically capped at one month's rent, but small landlords with two or fewer properties can collect up to two months' rent as an exception. The deposit must be returned with an itemized statement within 21 days after the tenant moves out, or you may lose the right to deduct any costs. If rent is overdue, you must provide a 3-day notice before proceeding with court actions. These regulations are the minimum standards applicable statewide, so it's wise to check if there are additional local ordinances in Burbank.

The family later changed their approach when finding new tenants, ensuring that even referred applicants received the same application forms and that they obtained consent for credit checks before moving on to the next steps. They realized that following procedures was actually a more comfortable method for everyone involved.

It's also advisable to specify how rent will be collected in the lease. Agreeing in advance on whether to receive payments via bank transfer or an online rental payment service can reduce the hassle of confirming payments each month. Establishing how to address late payments if they extend beyond a few days can also minimize emotional responses.

There are moments when you might want to skip procedures because of your relationship or the tenant's situation. However, it's best to view screening as a necessary procedure, regardless of personal connections. This article provides general information, and it's recommended to consult a professional before finalizing any contracts.