International Tenant Screening

[Rebecca Shine]

Hello!

I have a question regarding international tenant screening. I have a condo for rent, and the majority of tenants that inquire about it are students, which I have no problem with. I have a rental qualifications that involve a minimum credit score, rental history references, background check, income requirements, and a photo ID. 

Last year I had just bought the place and ended up renting to international students. They met all the requirements except because they were international they didn’t have rental history or a credit score. I ended up renting to them anyhow, which in hindsight I think that was a mistake but I felt a little pressured at the time to just get it rented. They ended up being excellent tenants while they were in the unit, they didn’t put anything on the walls or do any damage, and they were very respectful. 

The lease was 12 months starting in August, but when the beginning of May rolled around I got a message from them that they were at the airport leaving the country for good and that they had to leave for financial reasons. They also left all of their furniture in the apartment. I still have suspicions that since the school year ended they didn’t want to pay for the summer, but I wasn’t about to try to track them down internationally. I got a lawyer involved to make sure I was handling everything legally with removal of the furniture and didn’t have any problems there. 

However it’s been hard to find a tenant over the summer months since mostly students live in the area. I’m now getting contacted by a decent amount of potential renters, and some are international again. I really want to handle it better this go around and screen properly. If someone isn’t able to give landlord history and credit history, should they be rejected, or perhaps I should require a double deposit? Any advice is welcomed, I just don’t want tenants that leave with 4 months left, and next time I may not be so lucky with no damage in the unit.

Thank you! Becca