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Updated over 10 years ago,
My first rental - should I rent to this guy?
I own a house and put an ad on Craigslist to rent a room for $675 per month, which includes all utilities. This is my first time renting and first time reading someone's credit report. This guy came to my house, filled out an application, and paid for the credit and background reports. I ran them today and these are the results. First, a few comments about the application.
He owns a house out of state so he has no previous landlords. He is renting out his house and his p's are watching over it. His company transferred him here and he has been working here 3 months at the same company as his brother, who he is living with now. He says he's been with the company 2 years. The only references he listed were his parents and his employer.
He told me on the phone he makes about 40k per year, but for some reason he left the monthly income section blank on the application. The credit report says 40k , but doesn't show a company. For this analysis, let's assume he makes 40k gross income. If you guys think he's okay based on 40k, I'll ask for pay stubs and an explanation for the judgement and collection balance. He did mention he had cancer and has been in remission for 8 years.
Credit score 602
2012. $782 collection balance
2008 Civil judgement for $3500. Status says reported. How do I know if he paid it?
22k of credit card debt on 3 cards, all near high credit. Nothing past due in last 90 days.
43k house loan balance. 56k high credit. $400 per month payments, nothing past due.
12 credit inquiries in the past two weeks from various places.
Would you consider him? If so, what questions should I ask about the judgement and collection balance?
He is the only person to come to my house in the past 3 weeks so I'm hoping he is an acceptable risk. I was thinking of asking for first months rent, last months rent and one month deposit. Or is it more favorable to me to get first months rent plus 2 months security deposit? Same amount of money wondering which is best. Or first three months rent plus deposit. Just thinking of how to protect myself or if I should just say no. Thanks!