Background check shows an eviction. How to proceed.

[Manoj N.]

I used e-renter for background check of an applicant. Although he mentioned he was never evicted in the application form, an eviction incident came up in the report.  Address listings in the report show that he had some connection with that city (where eviction happened). No SSN provided in the eviction report (only name match) - so we are not for sure. How to proceed in this case ? Just decline the application? Ask the applicant about it ? Or should I try finding the plaintiff listed in the eviction case and ask him/her ? Otherwise the report looks good (passed FICO 621 test). 

[Mindy Jensen]

@Manoj N., many experienced landlords won't accept a tenant with ANY eviction on their record, not matter how far back it goes.

Things for you to consider: If this is them, they lied on their application. You do NOT want to start out a landlord/tenant relationship on a lie. They also told you they'll pay rent every month on time. Did they lie about that as well?

How difficult is the property to rent out? If your property is in Louisville, you probably have 9000 applicants waiting in line. Skip this guy and move to the next one who passes with flying colors. 621 isn't an awful credit score, but it isn't very good, either. In Louisville, you should be able to get a solid 720 no problem.

I'd skip this guy, and move to the next more qualified candidate.