Talk me out of this tenant.

[Brad Tamm]

I live in a high rental area in miami.  I have a very nice 3/1 newly renovated in a up and coming area.  I have the house listed for 1600 a month.  I have a intrested. Party that has not argued the rent but I just got her application back, she has a va disability payment of 2400 and makes 900 a month at work.  Credit score is  650.   I'm thinking she can't afford the rent, she wants to sign a two year lease.  I'm still new at tennat screening so all input is appreciated and  any advice on how to explain that I require a higher income /cost ratio.

[Marcus Johnson]

To me it matters more how much debt they are carrying around. I'd rather take a tenant that doesn't borrow much money at all with a lower income then someone who has a ton of debt and makes a higher salary. I find that hose who carry a lot of debt don't live within their means. Pull their credit report.