What factor does a property manager primarily evaluate when considering a prospective tenant?

A property manager primarily evaluates the ability to pay rent and on time when considering a prospective tenant because this is fundamental to ensuring a consistent income stream for the property owner. A tenant's capacity to fulfill their financial obligations is critical; thus, the property manager looks for evidence of stable income and financial responsibility. Timely rent payments not only reflect a tenant's reliability but also contribute to a positive rental history that can affect future leasing decisions.

While previous rental history can provide insights into a tenant's behavior and reliability, it ultimately ties back to their ability to pay rent regularly. Age and employment status can offer context, but they are not definitive indicators of a tenant's ability to pay. Relying solely on a credit score does not give a comprehensive view of a tenant's overall financial picture; therefore, focusing on the ability to pay and the habit of making payments on time is paramount in the tenant evaluation process.