Prospective tenants in a rush to move: what to look out for?

[Account Closed]

I have a prospective tenant that is eager to move b/c he is living out of a hotel now (in the midst of a divorce; divorce hasn't finalized yet).

He hasn't started the application process yet but when I mentioned cost to move in + presenting 2 pay stubs and 2 bank statements, he didn't seem to wince (though, we were speaking over the phone).

His income, credit score, criminal history, eviction history still hasn't been verified/checked.

But I'm still new to this and I don't know if tenants in a rush to move can cause problems later... In your experience, can they?

[Account Closed]

@Spencer Davis Thanks for reminding me to trust my intuition.

[Wendy L.]

i signed up for one of those tenant screening services the last time on of my properties came up for rent.  Basically right after the prospective tenant(s) fill out their paper application you input the name, email, etc. into the web site and generate a link.  They receive an email, click on the link and pay the fee (the one I used was $40 per person), fill in their social and other details, and answer identity verification questions.  Once they fill it out you get a background check, income estimate & credit check with every delinquency or bankruptcy, criminal history, sexual predator check, and also an eviction check.  It was SUPER helpful screening the tenants, and weeded out those who knew they had bad credit right away (because they didn't want to pay for a credit check they knew would be bad).  It takes all the spin out of the application process and you never have to see their sensitive details like social security number.

Some other things that may help in future... The lease has a no smoking clause.  I do a fully detailed move-in checklist with photos that both the tenants and I sign off on to protect us both.  I also offer a small discount ($50) for the rent being paid on or before the 1st of the month.  The rent is also due the day before if the 1st falls on a holiday or a Sunday.  The discount has been very successful in getting tenants to pay on time or early.

[Jim Shonts]

@Jihan Shareef I have found that tenants that are pushy and demanding during the application process seem to be pushy and demanding the whole time they are tenants and even more so after they move out. If he is polite and understands that you have due diligence and respects your standardized process, then i see no reason not to follow through with a qualified applicant. But dont skip your due diligence because of their hurry.

[Account Closed]

@Jim Shonts Gotcha.

He was hurried over the phone for sure.

Anyhow, I haven’t heard much from him since Friday. I’ll move on to the next and be sure to use my planned application and screening process.

Thanks for your input.

[Caleb Heimsoth]

@Jihan Shareef. I would read to much into this. Run his background and credit. If that lines up along with the income and meets your qualifications let him in.