Is This An Undercover Co-Signer Attempt

[Iesha Padilla]

I have had a young couple apply for my 2bed 1bath apartment in my multiunit. The girlfriend is unemployed and stays home looking after the couples 1 year only son. Her credit score is 522.

The boyfriend has a 615 credit score and has had a job since April 2019 working at the same company his father manages. He is only bringing in about $2,500/mo. He and his girlfriend alone do not meat the income requirement for this rental, as it is $1,075/mo +$1,075 security deposit.

This is where it gets interesting:

The boyfriends father also filled out an application to be a co-applicant. Under reasons for moving he has: "This is my first time renting. I own a house in Heber, CA, but due to a change in my personal circumstances I will be moving out." (mind you, everyone applying here currently lives together). His credit score is 776, no total debt, and is bringing in about $4,500/mo. He said that he would be able to afford the mortgage on his current home and the rent required at the rental property, because he says his wife pays a portion of the mortgage too.

Upon conduction a walkthrough of the property, I was told last minute that the father could not make it (so now it is just the couple and their child). I told them that they could do the walkthrough, but if I haven’t rented out the property yet and the father still wanted to see it himself, that he would be welcome to schedule a viewing. The girl friend said that the father if very busy and travels at least 6 months out of the year and wouldn’t be here at the property often.

For me, red flags seem to be popping up all over the place. Are they attempting to use the father as an undercover co-signer and should I decline the application? and if so, on what grounds can I do this?

This is my husband and I's first time renting to people, as we are first time landlords. Any and all advise is welcome. Thanks