When choosing a tenant, do you…

[Heather Rodden]

I recently had multiple people apply for one of our rental houses. I narrowed it down to 2 people. Do you always go with the best choice even if they only want to rent for a year? First choice has excellent credit score, good income, no rental history because she is relocating to the area and owned her home, 2 cats, but wants to rent for 1 year then buy a house. (Doesn’t want 2 mortgages). The second option has a good credit score, appropriate income, no pets, and wants to rent “indefinitely”. Do you always go with the best option? Or the good option that will be long term?

[Patrick M.]

I would not rent to a person with 2 cats who views (and likely treats) my rental as temporary housing and could care less about what I think of her (referral). The potential tenant is all but telling you that you have zero influence on her... and 2 cats! Yikes.