Divorce and Tenant Credit

[Anthony Angotti]

Hey Everyone,

How do you deal with applicants that have good indicators in everywhere but the credit score because of an ongoing divorce. My gut says....your criteria is your criteria, but the applicant has the appearance of a good tenant otherwise. Makes 6X rent, no criminal background, no eviction/landlord problems, good references. 

I'm tempted to just require 3 months rent up front and accept the applicant. He was open to that. 

Thoughts/experience with this situation?

[David Dachtera]

@Anthony Angotti,

Credit scores are relatively meaningless. Here's the more-or-less official definition of a credit score: a numerical representation of the likelihood of the the debtor going 90 days late on a payment in the next two years.

The credit report is what really tells the story.

If the applicant is open to your proposal, you could probably proceed.

Be aware, however, that until the divorce is final, the tenant's credit situation remains in flux. If he ends up owing alimony, child support, etc., his cash flow could take a serious hit.