Low income rental screening question.

[David Albertson]

I have a SFR in a low income area. I just received an application (with application fee) from a single mother. The local screening service I use didn't come up with any criminal history, but did come up with one rental judgement from 2001 and one medical judgement from 2002 that has been paid. She also has about $8400 worth of unpaid medical bills that have been placed for collection.

My question is, if I call to verify employment, is it leagal to ask how much her monthly income is? Also, if I were to do a month to month lease and she didn't pay, would I still have to go thru the eviction process to get her out?

[Richard F.]

To add to Wheatie's comments, it is typical for employers to confirm an income figure that you provide them, based on your applicants statements. Same goes for length of employment. In addition, more and more often, they are requesting written authorization to provide any info, as well as your questions in written form (usually faxed). Pay stubs are helpful, but check that they are CURRENT, and then verify they are still employed!

WRT the "rental judgment", I would need an awfully good explanation and confirmation that it has been paid before I even bothered with step #2 to process the application. Medical bills don't bother me at all, as long as they don't run up their consumer debt as well, knowing they will go BK.

Regardless of the reason or circumstance, if any occupant overstays their welcome, your only legal option is eviction when they don't go voluntarily. "Ending" the rental agreement has no effect on someone that just doesn't care.