Would you rent to this applicant?

[Account Closed]

Hi everyone,

I keep going back and forth on what to do and I need to give this applicant an answer soon. 

It is a non-married couple. He has a credit score of 610 and a few delinquent accounts on his record.    He went through a divorce three years ago.  He makes a good income (more than 3x the rent) and should have no problem paying the rent, that is of course if he chooses to.   He is current with his current rental, but has had two bounced rental payments in the two years that he has lived there.  His girlfriend does not make enough income to cover the rent on her own and has a credit score in the low 700s with no delinquencies.  She has a DWI on her record, but it is showing that the charge was dismissed.  

I currently have no other applications on the house.  The rent is a bit higher than average as the house is completely remodeled.  I am hesitant renting to them with his financial history.  What would you do?  

Thank you for your input!

[John Underwood]

Short answer - Yes I would

Longer answer - You have no other applicants, sounds like they should meet your minimum requirements (I assume) They have decent credit and income so put them both on the lease. I typically get 1.5x the rent for a deposit to provide a buffer if things go south and people tend to pay the last months rent and turn over a clean house because they want their large deposit back. Make sure this is allowed in your area.