Thoughts on these applicants?

[Brandon C.]

Hello. Hoping to get some opinions on this. I think these people are ok, but just want to get feedback from some of you more experienced folks. I’ve a very logical person and hard to impress. Screening people has been a challenge for me. I’ve always saved money and planned for the future. My wife and I have no drama. Seems 95% of applicants aren’t in that boat. Therefore, I am quick to say “no” to people. However, I also know if people had money and no drama – they probably wouldn’t be renting.I’m still trying to learn this balance.

I haven’t run the background and credit checks yet, but that is definitely next step.

General Info

• Engaged couple getting married in a couple weeks. He’s 37, she’s 26. Each has a kid from prior marriage, and the wife is currently pregnant.
• The guy makes right at the minimum required income without factoring in his OT. She is on bed rest and does not work.
• They both say they have bad credit due to their divorces. Neither has ever filed bankruptcy. The lady said her ex-husband became addicted to drugs and drained all their money.
• The 26 year old’s parents will co-sign the lease. The girl’s father is a professor at a prestigious school in the state. He’s been there for more than 35 years and makes six figures.
• They currently rent a 3 bedroom apartment for $1400 a month (my house is 1250). They are leaving because they have had issues with the neighbors above them. She said they have had constant noise problems throughout the night which is causing them to not get sleep. She said the complex has not done anything.
  • She was recently placed on bed rest. Her doc issued her a handicap tag. The building that she lives in has 2 handicap spots, but there are 2 disabled people living in her building so there are 3 people fighting for 2 spots. She claims the complex won’t put in another handicap spot

Verifications Completed

• I have 2-3 paystubs from the guy and the dad (the professor).
• I called the guy’s current employer and he said he was a great employee and he would have no problem renting a house to him.
• I called the guy and girl’s previous employer (they worked for the same person) and he would not give me any info. He said I need to call HR.
• I called their current apartment complex and they told me they would not release any information and that it was confidential!?!?! Is this normal???
• I met the girl’s mom. She seems very educated and upper class. I get the feeling the girl is the youngest child and has a string of bad decisions and the parents keep helping her.

I'm leaning towards approving them assuming the parents don't have a significant amount of debt. Anything I'm not thinking about? What would you do?

Appreciate your feedback!