Tenant would have relative help pay

[Becky Marsh]

I'm looking for a new tenant for a condo right now. One person came to see it, she would be moving in with her 9 year old son, but she hasn't had regular income. Says she's in the process of starting her own business. She came with her male relative who says he'd be helping to pay the rent (they currently live with him). He wouldn't live there though, which is important since the condo association has a two occupancy limit on this one. It's a studio not that big for a mom and kid, but they want to stay in this school district where the kid has all his friends.

I'm not sure if this is a situation I should consider or how I'd screen them? I usually ask for an employer reference and previous landlord reference, but she wouldn't have either of those. I do credit/background check too. Should I be getting the reference and income verification for the male relative? But then showing in the lease that he's not living there?

Also, I have no lack of great tenants applying. I sympathize with their situation of wanting to keep the kid in the same school. The rest of this town is pretty much just SFHs. The next town over has apts. They seem to be a family of Brazilian immigrants, helping each other out.

[Benjamin Aaker]

I would decline this application. You should have your tenant screening criteria written down and you can show that to prospective tenants.

If you choose to accept a cosigner, then you need to screen that person and make sure they also understand they are responsible for the rental payments and property condition.

Without prior references, this person should be declined. Do not bend your rules for anyone.