Would you rent to unemployed couple with 6 months prepaid rent???

[Michael Hoover]

Looking to rent one of my 2 bedroom units and a couple with an interesting situation applied and I wanted to see what some you of thought of renting to them.  

The husband was recently laid off from his job and is currently seeking employment.  The wife is currently staying home with their young child.   They recently sold their home and have offered to prepay the first 6 months of rent (1650 per month) and begin paying on first month and continue for the next 6 months until the full years rent is paid.   They stated that they have very little debt and sizable savings (getting the credit reports this evening).  He filed for bankruptcy 5 years ago and she has good credit.

What do you guys think?   

[Kathleen Leary]

Nope. If they were willing to pay six months' total rent up front, I'd write them a six-month lease & put the money in escrow, taking out each month as it came along.

If you don't have the cash in your hand right now, you may never get it. Don't risk it.