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Updated over 7 years ago on . Most recent reply
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Should I rent to a Family friend with bad credit?
This is my first question for BiggerPockets. I have a family friend that is interested in renting one our units. I am pretty sure she has poor credit history since I know she has a car repossession last November. I have not pulled her credit yet. I believe she pays on time because she tends to remain at one address for 3+ years at a time. She has a decent job (School Nurse making $45K+ annually) plus her husband works as well (don't his income yet). Normally I require an absolute minimum credit score of 575 for all tenants over 18 (will overlook on lower if one of the applicants has 650+). The property is a 3/1 SF that rents for $1,475 per month in a working class neighborhood. Should I take a risk and lower my standards and rent to her thinking that she would be a long-term tenant (and help a family friend out) or should I stick to my standards? NOTE that I have zero difficulties renting the unit when it goes dark - that is not a factor in the decision, just trying to potentially help someone.
- Randy Buff
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I think you already know that most of BP is probably going to say no. It's the quickest way to lose friends and money. I wouldn't take the risk. If they both have good jobs, why would she have had a car repossessed? Something isn't right.