Steps 3 and 4: Check references and arrange a meeting

Step 3: Do your homework on your top pick

Ask for three personal references you can call, as well as proof of income, such as a paycheck stub or a bank statement. Call the renter's employer to make sure he has steady work. What you want to avoid is taking someone on who isn't trustworthy or won't be able to make the rent, forcing you into costly eviction proceedings and making petty theft (or worse) more likely.

Step 4: If everything checks out, introduce the renter

Set up a meeting with the renter and with those you're caring for at their house. This is the chance to do a basic chemistry test: If you can see that they loathe each other on sight, it's time to move on to your next choice.
Show the renter around the house and go over how things would be set up, which spaces would be private and which shared. Point out any medical issues the older adults may have -- are they prone to fainting? Do they have diabetes? Give a renter a realistic picture and let him know any signs he'd need to watch for.
This is also the time to talk about personal habits -- for instance, does the renter like to spend a lot of time cooking? -- as well as quirks and pet peeves. Seemingly minor differences can become a major source of tension if they're not considered ahead of time. Print out our list of questions and take it with you to this meeting -- it will help you avoid trouble down the line.