Screening Tenants Social Media

[Josh Darley]

I have a four bedroom SFH that is in a desirable area. I have an applicant who makes good money and has decent credit. She states that she recently moved from out of state and will be living with only her 8 month old baby. Overall seems like a good applicant the only problem is that when I do a quick search on Facebook, I can see that she is recently married and they were being congratulated for moving to AZ. There are numerous recent photos as of a few days ago with her husband and baby. I asked her again why she wanted such a big house if it is only her and her baby. She insisted it is not an issue, she just needs to lockdown a home as the area is in high demand. I feel as if she's hiding her husband from the application for some unknown reason. How do you all feel about this situation? Would something you see on social media be enough to question their integrity? Should I just be transparent and say what I found on social media? It wasn't as if I hired a private investigator, I literally typed in her name and it was all there for the world to see.

[Sher J.]

Hmm interesting. I would see what the laws are for your state to make sure you are following fair housing laws. But I would investigate more about her. By pulling bank statements, calling past landlords and reviewing in owed debt. Additionally, if you have a gut feeling that she isnt the right fit after that, I would just move on and look for someone else.