Tenant Application - Eviction on record

[Tess Tari]

First of all, let me say that everyone here has been my rock since we started this whole process!  I appreciate all of the helpful comments!!!

I was having issues getting applications on my rental.  We have had quite a few people come and look at it, and everyone loves it - but have had only one application so far.

The application has 4 adults.  3 look good/great, and the income/rent ratio is great.  However, one of the applicants has an eviction 21 months ago.  This is my only issue on paper.  

I'm trying to be smart, not desperate.  They also want a shorter term, which has me more questionable than I'd like to be.  

They seem to be couples, so I don't think I can choose only three - I would have to give in on all four or deny all four.

How do you else feel about one out of four people being a denial? Would you approve? Would you deny?

[Josh Rodgers]

Personally - we do not rent to eviction history tenants.  Sure things happen - but this is a business its not personal for us so we just set a standard and don't deviate from it.  

If you feel its lowering your risks by having 3 of the 4 in good standing, you may want to just ask them about why and if they can provide the landlord reference of the eviction so you can call them.  

We ran into this issue a few months ago - bought a duplex, rehabbed one side that was vacant and rented it for a little more then the avg rent in the area since it was nicer.  We interviewed several candidates and had several no shows, we had an application with eviction history and were tempted to rent it to them, but we held to our process and standards.  A week later we got two great candidates and rented it to one.  

It comes down to your process and keeping to it.  

Good luck!