Can I run a tenant by you?

[Karyn S.]

Hi,

I appreciate all the advice I've gotten here so far - what a helpful group!!

This is our first rental.  We've had a ton of interest but only actually received 2 applications (we listed it last week).  I've decided to do them in the order received and process until they no longer qualify before moving onto the next and making them pay the credit/background check fee.  

The first is a single mom and her one son. She is moving to the area from about an hour away. Her current job of 10 years verified employment and salary. She has a small dog and a cat (we are allowing up to 2 pets with fee). It is a SFH with yard. She just got a new job about 1 hour from here (normal commute for this town) but I think she might be underestimating the traffic on I95 (its really only 20 miles). It does seem that her job currently has her commuting all over the area, but not in the same traffic as here. I'm still waiting to hear back from the new job - she doesn't start til October. She has family in town. Her husband died this year (googling obit - donations in lieu of flowers for a young guy). No social media (but she does work with kids in a school system so maybe privacy settings).

She had a chapter 7 bankruptcy 4 years ago (that she readily informed of on application) and I'm deducing that it was due to medical from her husband.  She has owned her current home for 9 years.  Background check is clean.  Credit check seems to show that it was CCs that she let slide but mortgage was always on time.  Salary is 79K for $1800 per month apt.  2 month security and month to month lease, although she is looking for longterm (which we would prefer, but keeping M2M).  Credit score is mid 7s, most debt is current mortgage, student loans and car payment.  Very little CC.  

I will be asking her what she plans to do with her current house, as it isn't for sale at the moment.  I am also waiting to hear from the new employer before doing anything.  Anything else I should be asking or doing?

Any input on this tenant?  Did I miss doing anything?  She meets income, credit score, etc. but the bankruptcy scares me a little.  

Thanks in advance!!