Would you rent to these people?

[David Fernandez]

Hi,

I got one of my properties in Baltimore ready to rent ($1,300/month). It is a newish market for me, so I am not that familiar with the tenant base there yet. The property is in the Belair-Edison neighborhood and my Property Manager (who I like and trust) told me that sometimes, in these neighborhoods, most tenants do not meet all the standard background check qualifications. So I am reaching out to the BP community that may have some experience in this are to get some advice.

I got different applications, but I liked a couple (market tenants), even though their background check results didn't meet all my qualification. They are an older couple that have been living in the same property for over 10 years. Their current landlord gave great references. Their are moving because their landlord mentioned to them that she may sell the house. They seemed very kind and easy to talk to them.

Now, the background check results:

Credit Score: 470 & 525 (bad credit due to bankruptcy in 2008 due to medical procedure)

W-2 Income (combined): $4,800 with long job history (10+ years)

Debt: 

    - $55,000 with $7,000 past due (all debt is in education loans, $7,000 past due because they were trying to get loan forgiveness and they didn't end up qualifying)

    - No credit card / auto debt

Criminal history: one of them has no criminal history, the other has 1 first degree assault (not prosecuted) and a second degree assault from 2012.

So, couple of questions:

1. Would you rent to someone that doesn't meet all your minimum rental qualifications, but have great references and tenant history? If I do so, I will request, security deposit, plus first and last month rent.

2. Is this the typical tenant I can find for this area/neighborhood?

Thank you!