Newton story got me scared: Thoughts on Tenants

[Charley F.]

I just read the story about the Newton's, very scary.... I know is too late for this but I would like to hear your thoughts about my tenant. The purpose is to acquire and eye based on your experience, it will help me in my next move.

My tenant is a lady nurse who moved from Virginia to live close to her mother who lives in Florida. With there are two other family members, her 15 year old daughter and her 87 grandfather who is on pension and a dog Beagel. She is a full time nurse to her grandfather. She receives payments to take care of him, but he also receives Pension from the United States Postal Service and Social Security. She had a previous issue with a past landlord (She was upfront) but that matter was resolved and any due payment was paid. She presented us (PM and I) with bank statements where it shows the payment they get from government and it also shows a savings, around $40K.

She at first requested a 2 year lease which we told he we will consider after the screen, but then she changed her mind to 1 year lease as she will consider buying if they like Florida.

The PM told me that during these times where the economy is bad and many people have credit problems, there will be issues finding "the perfect tenant". The PM recommended we accept them as tenant. And so we did.

They paid the last month rent, security deposit, and a non refundable pet fee.

I can come up with a few things that are close to "red flags" but I am not sure if I am nitpicking or simply being a newbie.

Anything that I can learn from this?