Which tenant to choose

[Max Briggs]

I recently had a lot of interest in one of my houses during a showing and received a couple of applications from some qualified tenants and I am trying to make the right choice and wanted to get the opinions of the bigger pockets forum:

Applicant #1 - a couple that was incredibly enthusiastic about the property, filled out the application and gave a security deposit at the showing (I told them I didn’t want it until I screened the application, but they said that I was free to tear it up if I went another direction, and they just wanted me to know they were serious. One is a self employed contractor with a verified income of about 7x rent the other is a yoga instructor with a verified income of 3x rent. Great landlord references. The contractor has mentioned his handiness and ability to do maintennace as a potential benefit, I’ve heard that this isn’t necessarily a positive. One has a lower credit score due to having almost no credit history, but absolutely no delinquent payments. The others has good credit. They are willing to sign a two year lease. 

Applicant #2 - three graduate students that are looking to sign a 3 year lease. They each have fairly low wage jobs, but are well above the 3x rent level. They are young and have been living in dorms, so their rental history and credit are not established, but have good references from their schools in terms of their tenancy in dorms (for whatever that’s worth). The benefit for this group is clearly the three year leaden term.

Applicant #3 - a Doctor and his working wife that want a 1 year lease. They make plenty and have good credit, and good references honestly not sure why they’re renting. They are currently my lowest priority just because I’m sure they’re going to leave afternoon one year to buy a home.  

I’d love to hear any advice from the forum.