Tenant Screening - Would you consider these tenants?

Question

Wanted to throw this out to see what you thought. Obviously, one red flag, but if everything else checks out, it seems like it might be ok. Would you consider these tenants?

Rent is $1200, and I’m required 3x that for salary, so they check out there.

• Two guys that have known each other and lived off and on together for 7 years.

• They both worked for same company in Colorado.

• Both have no problems with providing paystubs & references from recent landlords

• Guy #1:

• Credit score around 630

• Store Manager – Been with company for 3 years. Lived in Colorado but received a promotion and moved to Nashville.

• Salary is $54,000 with bonuses. On pace for $100k this year

• An eviction from 4 years ago in Colorado.

• §Story is – he’s fighting this. He was on a month to month lease at the time he left, he gave 30 days advance notice that he was leaving, was paid in full and completely up to date, and never should have been evicted in the first place. But, the fact is that it’s on his record.

• Guy #2

• Moved to Orlando to be with girlfriend about a year ago. Left the company he worked for in CO. Will resign from current company and go back to the same one he was with in CO – except at Nashville offices.

• Credit score is around 600

• Salary is currently $30k, but will be making $50k when he moves to Nashville and begins working with same company as Guy #1

Seth Todd · Answer

I have had tenants with bad credit scores and past evictions that turned out to be some of my best tenants. On the other hand, I have had tenants with great credit scores and job history turn out to be the worst tenants that I was constantly chasing for rent. Personally, I don't take the credit score to seriously because I was once the guy with terrible credit but always paid rent before it was due ha. My 2 recommendations are 1. Past rental references and 2. Get a big deposit in case you run into unwanted issues.

Kyle J. · Answer

The bottom line is, do they meet your rental criteria?  If they do, then rent to them.  If they don't, then don't.

They wouldn't meet my rental criteria because my written criteria clearly states no prior evictions.  So I wouldn't rent to them for that reason.

One thing I've learned about people with evictions, EVERYONE has a story/excuse about why they shouldn't have been evicted.  I've had countless people try to explain theirs to me, but I usually just tell them that I'm sorry - we don't bend on that rule.  After all, if a judge ordered the eviction in the first place, there must have been a good reason and who am I to second guess it with only half the story being told to me (in the most favorable light I'm sure).

And for what it's worth, I don't believe your applicant's story for a second.  What landlord would go through the time, trouble and expense of an eviction on a tenant who gave proper notice and was "paid in full"?  Something doesn't add up.  If you really want to rent to these applicants, I would (at a minimum) contact that landlord and get the real story.

Elizabeth Colegrove · Answer

do you have other options? Is the house vacant? Can afford to have the house go vacant? I have an whole article about roommates but the short answr is they are not my favorite. These do not appear to be very strong candidates. Red flags- low credit scores even with great incomes, eviction, roommates, not steady employment, etc

While this is nothing other than my thought that of an experienced albeit jaded landlord.

While this is nothing other than my thought that of an experienced albeit  jaded landlord.

Alex Hamilton · Answer

Excellent advise from some obviously experienced landlords above! Best I heard was to establish your screening criteria and stick to it. This will ensure that your renters are qualified while limiting your exposure to litigation. Don't forget to send an Adverse Action Notice.

Steve J. · Answer

Brandon, I would agree with the one of the comments already made.  Two guys lived off and on over a period is not a good situation.  I have always made a primary lease in a single person's name if they are not related.  The strongest candidate signs the lease.  You collect rent from the one person.  He can fight it out with his roommate.

Also, if a person lies on an application you can not trust them.  I agree with the above...  if the story does not check out... he lied... and will continue to be a liar.

Go onto the next candidates....

Brandon C. · Answer

Wow, thanks for all the responses. I learned a lot!

The house is vacant right now, but I'll probably pass on them. I'd rather have it vacant another month than have to deal with problems.

Bill S. · Answer

@Brandon C. the eviction is a no go. I couldn't care less about credit score. I want to know why it's what it is. Really the eviction is the end of the story. If you are really interested, call the former landlord and take to them about the situation. It costs money to do an eviction. Landlords don't do that unless it's absolutely necessary. I'm sure the landlord might like the address of your applicant so they can file a small claims case and garnish their wages.

Josh Lawrence · Answer

Move on. Roomates always cause problems for me, and the eviction and lower scores just add to the risk.

Tenant Screening - Would you consider these tenants?

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