Renting to a tenant who had filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy

[Melissa Faraias]

Hello BP community,

I am in the process of screening tenants to rent out my first rental property so I am a novice landlord. 

Would you rent to a tenant who had filed chapter 7 bankruptcy 2 years ago for medical reasons? I want to rent to an elderly couple, who meet all my qualification criteria but had to file for chapter 7 bankruptcy because he had a stroke and couldn't afford the medical bills. Their credit scores are 600+ and all payments have always been made on time.  Would you require any additional safeguards like a guarantor, an additional deposit or a rent increase? I believe in giving them a chance and they are a lovely couple. Thanks for your input.

[Theresa Harris]

I agree with Aly.  Medical bills can add up fast and declaring bankruptcy to clear them once is understandable.  If they have a good history of paying bills and meet your criteria, rent to them.