Tenant Qualification - What to do?

[Joe Conklin]

I have a tenant that qualifies income, credit, and background check wise.  However, they currently have another house in their name as they are going through a separation / divorce.  Also, there are some higher fixed expenses that they have and credit is in mid to low 600's with some late payments.

How granular should I be looking into this? 

Any advice hear as its not a clear choice in my mind right now.  Let me know if there are other factors to take into consideration besides income, credit, background.

[Christine Taylor]

Put them on a month to month lease and if there is a problem you give them a 30 day instead of having to go thru a 3 day eviction process. After a year, if they prove to be good tenants then offer a year lease.

I've had low income tenants that were amazing! I've also had tenants that had a strong financial background who were late, messy and damaged my property.

I inspect my properties when I collect rent in person. I keep in close contact with all renters. I do reference checks on all tenants.

Doing our homework on potential tenants is great but, doesn't reveal the "human" factor in most cases. Set firm boundaries in writing on the lease.