Two tenants with below 600 credit scores with solid income

[Andrew Willits]

Due to COVID we had a solid tenant just move out. We have been doing showings and the best applicants have solid income we verified by paystubs that is 4X the rent. The issue is they have low credit scores below 600 but it is all due to lack of payment on their student loans from two years ago. Should I consider them or hold out because they are below my threshold of a 600 credit score?

[Anne Jenkins]

I have been renting for 20 years. Have 13 doors mostly in low rent areas, and most of my tenants have Credit scores below 600. If the income is solid and the previous landlords verify they are good tenants AND you verify the income and the employer says all is good, the chances are they will be good tenants.   I often use a "gut" reaction also.   That is, do these folks feel good to me.   Yeah feelings are mostly a female thing but my gut is 99% right.    Do you run a back round check?   That extra bit of information could be what you need to know to make a good choice.