Cross this prospective tenant off the list?

Question

I have a vacancy coming up that I listed on Craigs List.  I've had lots of response and will be showing it Saturday.  Here's my question:  A guy calls me.  He already lives in the neighborhood and loves it.  He tells me he is moving because the LL won't fix anything.  The local agent, a friend of mine, recommends the guy.  My feeling is no way.  He sounds like a pain.  Thoughts?

Steve Babiak · Answer

Brian Hoyt makes a good point regarding mid-lease exit.  I agree with him - do not accept a tenant who is breaking a lease in mid-lease.

But there is one exception that I have recently encountered - with two different potential tenants.  Both of those people had houses they were renting where toxic mold was causing them to be ill, and they expressed that to their landlord.  The landlords had agreed to release those tenants from the lease early.

So, there may be a reason to have exceptions to hard-and-fast rules, but the reasoning must be sound.  Yes, those tenants will be getting out of their leases early, but that is with landlord's agreement and cooperation (and not a middle of the night move out).

James H. · Answer

Cheryl,

On what basis is your friend/local agent recomminding this guy anyways?

You did not state if he was in the middle of a lease or not. This is an important factor for me when deciding on a applicant. I established a rule early on that I would not assist a tenant in breaking a current lease, regardless of their situation/reason/story.  If he is, I would pass - too many other applicants out there without that kind of red flag. The referral from the friend/agent just muddies the decision making waters a little. If its hard to approve an applicant, its probably best they don't get approved. I know you're an old hand at this,so I'm only offering my .02 from a relatively inexperienced perspective.

George P. · Answer

try not to go alone if you can. you never know.

i always go with my wife, unless she is showing it to a woman only.

Hardik Patel · Answer

If a landlord has multiple application, how would he select one? What reason would you give to other applicants?

Steve Babiak · Answer

I hear this ALOT.  And I tend to believe it in many cases, since I have looked at lots of houses that are rentals listed for sale, and the conditions of many of those aren't as well-maintained as I would like to see.

As somebody already mentioned, you have to visit the place where they live now, and see for yourself what their complaints are.  If you judge those items to be serious, then you know this tenant has potential for you - if you actually are one of those landlords that performs needed repairs :D ; if the items being complained about seem to you to be more of a nuisance, then it sounds like you wouldn't want that tenant.

You might find that a thorough screening (as Joel has given above) uncovers some other reason to not take this person as a tenant - so let your screening process be your guide in decision-making.

Kyle Meyers · Answer

I have tenants who move to my unit because their previous landlord would not fix a flooding issue that resulted in several inches of water in the basement and their bedroom was in the basement. Check their current residence to see what the problems are.

Joel Owens · Answer

Also go back more than one landlord. A tenant that wants to move fast is a red flag and I never believe them.

I never let them move on the weekend when I can't verify anything.

I have credit checks,criminal,check for judgements,call back at least 2 generations of landlords back,check sex offender registry (not a protected class),job verification,pay stubs,banks statements etc.

If they are truly motivated and tired of this landlord then they will work hard to give you those items you request.If they give partial or nothing they are lying about something or holding something back.

They might have not paid the landlord rent for awhile and have to leave and have enough money to pay you first month and move in but after that nothing else.

I would also visit where they live now.If they are pointing out cosmetic and ticky tack items and the place looks good then they are just  a high maintenance tenant.

I have a tenant that gave me a 2 page list of stuff to fix.I told them they accepted the condition when they moved in which was functioning and clean.I did fix a roof pan that needed replacing.

They haven't bothered us since.If you do not stand firm with tenants they will take and take.One day your their best friend ever when they need something fixed and then when they pay the rent you are the evil landlord who never fixes anything.

Don Hines · Answer

I don't remember the name of the thread a month or so ago; but, we decided then that one way to qualify a prospedt like this is to inspect how he is treating the property he lives in now. 
Don

Tod R. · Answer

Sam Craven is spot on.

You need to balance the quality of potential tenants with what is available in the tenant population.  If its a landlord's market, you could be a little more strict.

Sam Craven · Answer

call the old LL and get the other side of the story.  Also get more details from the tenant.

could be a red flag or could be a valid complaint, just need to dig a little deeper to find out.