Neighbors house burns down and they want to rent mine ...But

[Matthew Paul]

I just got a phone call , guy says his house burned down . Lives about 10 houses away  , now there are 7 people in his family ,  He wants to rent both sides of my duplex , each are 2/1 ,   Only 1 is ready .I told him he has to go thru the credit/background  approval , I cant let him move in until that and it takes 2 days . I got his whole life story etc .  And I tell him 7 people is too many for a 2 bedroom thats less than 800 sq ft .   I feel bad , but I dont like to be rushed , and too many occupants.

[Randy E.]

Don't be rushed into this.  Perform your due diligence as always.  Their insurance or some charity will ensure they get a hotel room for the immediate future.  In the meantime, have him fill out an application and go through the same process as any of your other tenants.

Oh, and be careful how you phrase the "too many people for my rental" conversation with him.  There was recently a thread on this forum that discussed the legality of such landlord reasoning.