Are there any circumstances you would rent to someone with an eviction?

[Kyle Meyers]

I have had several prospects call and let me know up front they have an eviction on their record. Is there any time that you would accept them. I have been asking them the reason and letting them know I would see if I can get it approved. One prospect told me their eviction was for leaving before the end of their lease because they needed to move to help a family member. I think I would be willing to accept that reasoning, but I don't know how I would verify that story. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[Bill Gulley]

As Ralph said, don't buy into fantasies or lies. People who don't live up to committments usually lie as well. However, that does not mean that bad things don't happen to good people.

If they can document or prove the situation, like a divorce and loss of a job, you can certainly consider that in your processing. Understand too that what is good for the goose is good for the gander.

Say all of your tenants are white, and a Chrokee Indian makes an application. Two whites have past evictions and so does your new applicant. But you turn down the Indian. Then they claim it is on the basis of race and sue, where does that leave your defense? You should have a written rental policy that specifies underwriting guidelines, IMO, and that provides for specific instances where you may consider matters on a case by case basis.

The number of rentals you have will determine the extent of your operations, if you only have three rentals, you might not have a problem doing whatever you like, having a dozen or more may put you in another category and a target for litigation.