A tenant with criminal records

[Eli M.]

Dear BP Community,

I am reviewing an application for a potential tenant. this is a couple, not legally married, without kids.

They are both in their early twenties (22), first time moving in together. They are willing to pay upfront 4 month rent (3 month plus a security deposit ) and to sign a two-years lease.

However, the boyfriend had two criminal records in the past one when he was 16 (Violation Of Compulsory Attendance Req Child), and another one when he was 18 (Disorder Conduct Hazardous/Physi Off), I am not even sure what those violations mean but should i even pay attention to them since they happened over 4 years ago?

thank you all in advance,

E K 

[Alexander Felice]

Don't accept prepaid rent

Don't sign a 2 year lease

Renting to a past criminal is fine. Criminals aren't all evil, some just make poor decisions, and the system is not designed to help. I give a long leash of understanding for past behavior personally. Especially for someone 16 & 18, even I was a criminal at that age so hard for me to hold it against anyone ;)