Should you ever rent to a neighbor's child?

[Jacob G.]

Hello BP Community,

I was at the rental a few weeks ago and was catching up with the neighbor. She mentioned that her son and his girlfriend were looking to move out of her home, but wanted to stay close to her. She has mentioned numerous times in years past that her son had moved in to help while she battled cancer, but now she wants them out.

It just so happens today I received notice my current tenant will be moving at the end of next month, so I will be looking for new tenants. Per my past screening criteria the son and girlfriend would fail the required 3 years of rental history, or home ownership, with positive verifiable references (parents do not count as a reference). It seems he and his girlfriend would pass all other requirements based on my knowledge of them. 

The neighbor's son seems like a good person based on the times I've met him. The neighbor's house is tidy and kept up (of course this wouldn't necessarily translate into her son taking care of my property).

My questions/concerns:

1. Have any of you rented to neighbor's children? How did it turn out? I can see this going both ways, he could be there for years and continue helping his mom as she ages. But, if things turn south, I could have a rental with a shared drive next to a formerly evicted neighbor.

2. His mom wants him and his girlfriend out of her house, and has for years. This is a red flag for me, but I can completely understand as the homes in the area are smaller. She has mentioned the son's girlfriend calls into work frequently and clogs the drain with her hair (my lease states clogged drains are tenant's responsibility, so I'm not worried about getting calls on that).

3. You should not go into business or rent to family or friends. Should this extend to neighbor's children? 

Thanks!