Notice to quit/eviction

[Amanda Paugas]

Just want to be sure I’m crystal clear on this and not violating any laws.... I just received an application where the tenant was given a notice to quit for non payment of rent. She also scribbled put her annual income to make it exactly 2.5 times the rental amount. I found the eviction in 2 minutes on the state judicial website, so I know I’m not renting to her. I haven’t done the credit check yet, but don’t feel it’s needed at this point. She did give the $25 money order for the credit check fee, which I guess I’ll keep? I always feel funny about keeping that money when I know I’m not going to run the credit/background check. Does anyone else give the fee back? Any other steps I should take before I say no to this tenant? Thank you BP followers!