Applicant A or Applicant B?

Question

A is solo, recent law school grad, no pets, no smoke - but makes $200 less than the 3x rent rule.

B is solo, no smoke, makes plenty of $$ - but has 2 labradors (sometimes). B is splitting up from a relationship with "partner" where they have owned their house for 12 years, so no landlord references. But she is willing to show mortgage statements. B also has rental properties/income and can document that.

A worries me because of the income.

B worries me because of the two large dogs and lack of landlord references. I do accept pets in this unit, but it has always been one small dog or one cat - never 2 large dogs.

I'm leaning towards B.... sound off!

Jake Thomas · Answer

A sounds less complicated and might turn into a longer term renter since they are just getting started with their career. B sounds like he will be short term as he just needs a temporary place to stay to figure out his life. I wouldn't expect B to stay much more than a year and lots of dog messes to pickup afterwards.

Account Closed · Answer

You crack me up.  You do make a good point of sticking to your criteria, though.  How many times have i said that myself?  Woops.  I just like law students :-)

Account Closed · Answer

I'd choose A hands-down.  I loved law students as renters.  I had quite a few that stayed after they graduated, sometimes for several years, even in tiny studios.  They have massive student loans, and need to stay in affordable housing.  So, if he can afford your place, he'll probably stick around for awhile, unless he ends up taking a job far away.

Something else to consider regarding lawyers, is they can get in trouble with the Bar if they get bad credit or there are suits filed against them.  He'd have more to lose.  I have found them to be very responsible.

B would be a no for me, because freshly divorced people never stay long.  I've had them move out in 1 month - actually give 30 days notice the day after they moved in LOL.  Live and learn.

And, their ex will be around, maybe move in, move back out, screaming fights, furniture being thrown in the hall - professionals are not immune to this behavior.

Matt Geerts · Answer

If A's credit is solid then I am confused why this is even a question. Big dogs from an unstable home, a person who has equity and will bounce within 4 months because she is already shopping for a duplex to house-hack and, as Greg mentioned, knows the system.

3x rent may be a rule, but it is a bit of a silly one to apply equally to a single new grad and a family with 5 kids and three cars.

James DeRoest · Answer

C

A cant afford it. (Seriously people, why are you qualifying someone who can't afford the rent??)p 3x isn't a suggestion, it's rule. What next, let someone rent on 2x and a nice smile?)

B just has too much baggage. Dogs I don't mind, but the ex.

So go with C. You've yet to meet them but can't be as unqualified as A or B.

Stephen E. · Answer

A has no pets, no complications, but is slightly short on income. B has dogs, a recent break up (and consequently unstable life) and to top it all has experience as a landlord. I have to agree with others who have recommended A, and B's experience as a landlord is icing on the cake. The times I have rented to people with any knowledge of the system I have regretted it. One tenant who had a bad experience with a rental property they formerly owned tried to create all sorts of trouble. They wanted to get out of their lease and so they papered me with a whole series of made up claims about maintenance, filing these with the Landlord and Tenant Board here in Ontario. They even complained on one that the local chipmunks and squirrels had eaten their plants in the garden (complete with photos of chewed plants) - and the remedy they sought for each of these filings was termination of the lease. They filed them all, needing only one to stick. I found a new tenant and their complaints were moot but I resolved then and there that I would rent to no more tenants who had a working knowledge of landlord and tenant law. If B wanted to create trouble they could based on the knowledge they would have gained in being a landlord themselves. I think A is the easy choice, with considerably less downside.

Robert Melcher · Answer

This is a tough one.  What kind of attorney?  Let's presume he is still idealistic and doesn't see your lease as an opportunity to test his skills, then A with an additional deposit to offset the income risk.

B's dogs are a problem, but the risk of abandonment (they reconcile) or drama (his wages are garnished for support) offset the stated income.

Thomas S. · Answer

Simple choice A.

B is risky as having recently split. Can lead to drama, instability, reconciliation resulting in vacancy etc. That along with dogs is a no brainer. A far out weighs B as far as mitigating risk. $200 below 3X is minimal.

What is your logic in choosing B. Income ? That should be a non issue in this case.

Applicant A or Applicant B?

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