Would you rent to this guy?

[Kevin L.]

Hi BP community, I'm trying to rent out an in-law unit in my house. I currently have a tenant who has a stable job with great income in his early 30s. But his credit history is messy (8 collections and 1 eviction). With all of that mess on his credit report his score is still pretty good at 760. He seemed like a really good guy when I met him in person. But I know that you can't judge a person from a 15 min meeting. Would you rent to him if you were me? Thanks

[Brandie Wilks]

How long ago was the eviction? Does he owe money to the previous landlord? What is the nature of the collections? Are they old medical bills? Unpaid cell phone bills? Tax liens?

I would dismiss medical bills, unpaid cell bills, or other small misc bills that may have gone unpaid from his youth. The reason that wouldnt bother me is that he still has a strong credit score despite those collections.

I would be more concerned about tax liens; unpaid mortgages; vehicle or personal loans; defaulting on revolving credit loans.

Get more details about the eviction. In most states if a landlord files the paperwork, even if it does not result in an actual eviction from the property, the filing will still show up on his/her record. If he owes them money, you may require he pay them first before you agree to rent to him.

And finally, I would verify his employment & obtain one year of good landlord references since he has the eviction. If he cant supply or lived with family - that may be the deciding factor for you.

Good luck!!