“Landlords should sell, sell, sell QUICK! “
What landlord’s do depends on the wording of the law. They might, for example, subcontract all screenings to an outside firm. (I’d choose a firm located outside the reach of the new law.)
In addition, if that firm screens clients, or, even if landlords do it, how can the authorities find out? Further, a landlord can still pick the candidates most able to pay; those having good jobs and references. As long as they don’t racially discriminate, which brings in the feds, then there shouldn’t be an issue. I can tell you from experience that having a good job cuts the odds that you will have any issues with the renter, down to almost nothing.
A set of written policies helps too. For example, not accepting any Section 8 or welfare recipients would cut down on damage and safety issues. However, if the landlord accepts any government payout of any type, they will have their hands tied even further. In my experience, those type landlords are politically protected; unlike their renters who have to live next to whatever the government sends, regardless of how dangerous they might be.
“A set of written policies helps too. For example, not accepting any Section 8 or welfare recipients would cut down on damage and safety issues.”
You definitely don’t want a written policy about that, because that’s a huge violation of federal law.