Tenant Requires Cosigner

[Alexander Ransom]

Hey all, I am currently in the process of showing a lower unit on a duplex where the upper unit is already rented out. I just have a couple of questions and would like to hear your thoughts.

1. Currently, our best option for filling the vacancy in the lower unit meets all of the qualifications on our applications except income. She verbally told us she would be fine and her mom is helping her out. If we have her mom cosign, should we also have her fill out an application? Thoughts?

2. This property is in Wisconsin and has a rather large yard and driveway. What do you do for lawn care and snow removal? We have brought up the idea of having the lower tenant take care of all of it but I am afraid this may effect vacancy on that unit...people are lazy. Also, do we have to legally credit or pay them for taking care of the yard/snow removal?

[Mike McCarthy]

@Alexander Ransom for the co-signer, you’d probably want them to do a credit check. You don’t need a co-signer who is behind on bills! As for the grass &snow, if you’re up front about it and include it in the lease, the tenant can be made responsible. BUT - I find that younger people and 1-2 BR properties often don’t find the time to do it, so it tends to grow out of control. Also, if it’s more than a 10 minute project to cut/shovel, it probably won’t get done either. If it’s more than a postage-stamp yard, I would figure in the costs to have someone cut it.