Tenants w/ Felonies in the PAST

[Cassidy Burns]

Hi BP,

Happy Friday! 

Curious as to how landlords are handling tenants with criminal records in the past (5 years or longer).  

I just had a well "financially qualified" tenant apply for one of my SINGLE FAMILY houses.  They have 2 felonies on their record, one from 2015 (burglary) and 2001 (assault- they were 19) .  They are well qualified finically, decent credit, but have these 2 looming charges.  

When do you make the cutoff for the "exemption/ second chance" ? If you do give a second chance, would you ask for more of a deposit upfront (maybe non-refundable), or increase rent a little? 

Would love everyones thoughts. 

[Nathan Gesner]

Q: What is the purpose of screening applicants? 

A: To determine the level of risk to your property, your income stream, or people.

The conviction from 2001 conviction at age 19 doesn't bother me. If they don't have any more convictions after that, it indicates they probably cleaned up. The 2015 burglary is a little bothersome because that's only five years ago.

More importantly, how long have they been out? If they've been out for three years and have solid employment and rental history, then you are probably OK. If they just got out six months ago, I would argue it's still too high risk.