Renting to someone with an ITIN

[Jan Upande]

Hello Friends,

Want to know your advise about renting to someone who is a single Hispanic mother with 3 kids. I have 2 questions:

1. The mother has an ITIN (issued in 2010) and does not have a Social, but  has a 18 year son who has a Social Security number. Does this pose bigger risks in terms of complying with the law or eviction?

2. The combined income is $4500 while the rent is $1500, BUT the Son (who is 18) Makes 2800$ per month at a small roofing company while the Mom makes $1700 per month. This seems risky to me because I fear that the Son is so young and can get laid off anytime. What are your thoughts about risks in this scenario?

Should I pass or rent to them for 6 months given that its holiday season and finding good renters is tough. Many thanks for your advice!

[Michaela G.]

They know that they have no fall-back position of getting welfare or other unemployment. They just know that it's up to them to make the money - unlike Americans, who can get unemployment easily. 

That means that they have the mindset to succeed. Also, as undocumented, the mother will do anything she can to not run afoul of the law and have negative things on her record. If there ever is a possibility of immigration reform, there can not be anything negative on her record. Her son might be able to sponsor her down the road, so, that is a consideration for her. 

Chances are they'll be very good tenants and will do anything to get the rent paid.