Advice On Possible New Tenant

[Guevara M.]

My current tenant will be leaving at the end of the month and she has been nothing but great. She works a lot out of town so that limited the wear and tear on the property. I've had the property listed and have had a few inquires but nothing solid and last week my tenant contacted me stating that one of her coworkers wants to rent my unit as soon as she leaves. She said he's a really good guy and has worked with him for the last 2 years. He contacted me a little later about the property and told me his retired military who is going through a divorce but he and his wife are on good terms. Said that he works a lot out of town and wants to see if his 20 year old son who is a college student can stay at the property when he is out of town for work. This is a one bedroom, one bath unit so do you guys see any issues with that? He and I are planning on meeting this afternoon sometime. Normally I'd meet him at the property but considering that it is still occupied and he's been there a few times so knows everything about it would it be a bad idea to have him meet me at my house or should we meet out somewhere else? I like the idea that my current tenant referred him to me and she actually knows him. I know that he really wants the property and is ready to give deposit plus first and last months rent to get in there as soon as she leaves. What are some questions I should be asking him when we meet today? If he meets all my requirements should I still have him submit for a background and credit check and if his son is planning on staying there when he's gone should I have him submit the same? Should his son be on the lease as well?

[Dennis M.]

@John Warren

Anyone over 18 needs to be on the lease and properly screened . Don’t just go by a referral ! It could be that the friend doesn’t even the persons past inequities !