When you can't run a credit/background check - foreign student

[Rose Stuart]

In my 8 years of landlording, I have relied heavily on background and credit checks. But now I have a vacancy and an applicant who is a foreign student at a local college. He does not have a social security number, but said if the lack of credit history concerned me, he could pay THE ENTIRE YEAR AND SECURITY DEPOSIT UP FRONT. What would you do? I am nervous. Do I ask to see proof of his enrollment? Would you rent to this person, or only people you can run the full checks on? Obviously I would get the funds in certified form, but is that enough of a safeguard? My family and I live downstairs. What if he is trying to hide a criminal background? What would you do?

[Dana Dunford]

@Rose Stuart -- Some additional input:

1. Up front payments: definitely do not take up front payments. If you accept all of the money in advance, you can get into some tricky legal situations if you want to evict him early.
2. Background / credit check: I agree with @Percy N. on the F1 visa. In addition, you can ask if he has a relative in the US who can vouch for him. The relative can act as a cosigner and you can verify the relative's credit.

I hope that helps!