Would you rent to these people...

[Arjun K.]

I have a property that has been vacant now for 30 days (average is 26), so was considering lowering the rent 5% (~$1,000 over a year) + adding a $1000 fridge, which I am 100% is market (just low end of range). Have a single application at my current ask.

Their problems: two single-mothers each a 8-year old son. Both divorced. One has no credit and the other has terrible credit. I do not know what alimony is. Both have DUIs, and one has a bounced $500 check from 4 years ago.

They offer to bring a co-signer and do a double security deposit. 11 month lease which puts property back on May 2014 schedule if things do work out. They do not have prior eviction history.

I have not spoken to prior landlords, nor do I know what alimony they receive. I do not know who the co-signer they will use is yet, etiher. I have a property manager who is reasonable, but is not the Ferrari of managers (more like an Accord). Property manager said they would start eviction process if they were ever late on rent and would warn tenants ahead of time.

I'm just wrapping my head around it.

What would you folks do? And if you moved forward, what information would you need to see ahead of time?

[Joshua Dorkin]

Arjun -
I'd look at how I could make the unit more appealing to better qualified renters. Whether that's the price, amenities, curb appeal, or anything else. The biggest lesson I learned early on is to maintain some written standard and keep to it, no matter how long my units are empty. If you take someone because you're starting to feel desperate, you're likely to lapse in your judgement and let someone in you may not have otherwise.

Just something to think about.