Would you rent to a bank robber?

Managing Your Property
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Would you rent to a bank robber?

Erin ChurchPro Member
Real Estate Agent · North Augusta, SC · Member since 2017 · 254 posts · 233 votes

So, I've come across something I hadn't contemplated. I have someone that is interested in a vacant unit I have that meets the minimum income, seems to meet the minimum credit score, but robbed a bank 5 years ago, served 4 years, and has been out for almost a year. They disclosed right away. 

When I researched the person, they passed a note that they had a gun and would shoot everyone if they needed to. They actually got out of the bank, but were captured later due to fingerprints. I do not know if there was actually a gun. 

I have one other inherited tenant that has a recent felony and they are a wonderful tenant that I will likely keep for many years.

I have other applicants, but but wanted to see what other folks thought - if nothing else, it's a fun thought exercise. :)

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Account Closed
Investor · Scottsdale Austin Tuktoyaktuk · Member since 2021 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
2y
Quote from @Erin Church:

So, I've come across something I hadn't contemplated. I have someone that is interested in a vacant unit I have that meets the minimum income, seems to meet the minimum credit score, but robbed a bank 5 years ago, served 4 years, and has been out for almost a year. They disclosed right away. 

When I researched the person, they passed a note that they had a gun and would shoot everyone if they needed to. They actually got out of the bank, but were captured later due to fingerprints. I do not know if there was actually a gun. 

I have one other inherited tenant that has a recent felony and they are a wonderful tenant that I will likely keep for many years.

I have other applicants, but but wanted to see what other folks thought - if nothing else, it's a fun thought exercise. :)

If he threatened people with a gun to get money, I can only imagine what he would do if he gets behind on rent.
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  • Account Closed
    Investor · Scottsdale Austin Tuktoyaktuk · Member since 2021 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Erin Church:

    So, I've come across something I hadn't contemplated. I have someone that is interested in a vacant unit I have that meets the minimum income, seems to meet the minimum credit score, but robbed a bank 5 years ago, served 4 years, and has been out for almost a year. They disclosed right away. 

    When I researched the person, they passed a note that they had a gun and would shoot everyone if they needed to. They actually got out of the bank, but were captured later due to fingerprints. I do not know if there was actually a gun. 

    I have one other inherited tenant that has a recent felony and they are a wonderful tenant that I will likely keep for many years.

    I have other applicants, but but wanted to see what other folks thought - if nothing else, it's a fun thought exercise. :)

    If he threatened people with a gun to get money, I can only imagine what he would do if he gets behind on rent.
    6Reply
  • Cathy B.
    Architect · Portland, OR · Member since 2023 · 66 posts · 39 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Erin Church:

    So, I've come across something I hadn't contemplated. I have someone that is interested in a vacant unit I have that meets the minimum income, seems to meet the minimum credit score, but robbed a bank 5 years ago, served 4 years, and has been out for almost a year. They disclosed right away. 

    When I researched the person, they passed a note that they had a gun and would shoot everyone if they needed to. They actually got out of the bank, but were captured later due to fingerprints. I do not know if there was actually a gun. 

    I have one other inherited tenant that has a recent felony and they are a wonderful tenant that I will likely keep for many years.

    I have other applicants, but but wanted to see what other folks thought - if nothing else, it's a fun thought exercise. :)

    First question is:  what does your screening criteria say and what do the laws in your area say about this? 
    As an example, In City of Portland where I am, they have very specific screening criteria that you should follow.  The low barrier option, allows for a certain amount of past criminal history.  The landlord choice option, allows you to choose the terms of your screening, but forces you consider situations and additional evidence provided by the tenant to weigh against your screening criteria.
    For reference:  https://www.portland.gov/sites/default/files/2020-02/phb-rso...

    Here is a screenshot from that link above that I believe outlines some things to consider:  I think from what you have described above, the one that has me concerned, is the time that they have been out of jail has not been that long, so its unclear if there will be a pattern with this person or if it was a one time mistake that they have fully atoned for.
    3Reply
  • V.G JasonPro Member
    Investor · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y

    Is this a legitimate question?

    You must be looking for trouble. 

    4Reply
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    2y

    Not only no, but Hell no. Can you not find anyone else? 

    And I don't care what local laws say...this is your property and your livelihood....you do what is best for you. They can't 'force you to consider situations', just find someone else.

    4Reply
  • Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Erin Church:

    So, I've come across something I hadn't contemplated. I have someone that is interested in a vacant unit I have that meets the minimum income, seems to meet the minimum credit score, but robbed a bank 5 years ago, served 4 years, and has been out for almost a year. They disclosed right away. 

    When I researched the person, they passed a note that they had a gun and would shoot everyone if they needed to. They actually got out of the bank, but were captured later due to fingerprints. I do not know if there was actually a gun. 

    I have one other inherited tenant that has a recent felony and they are a wonderful tenant that I will likely keep for many years.

    I have other applicants, but but wanted to see what other folks thought - if nothing else, it's a fun thought exercise. :)


     Looking at it from another angle, maybe he will rob more banks and stuff the cash in the walls.

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  • John Clark
    Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Erin Church:

    So, I've come across something I hadn't contemplated. I have someone that is interested in a vacant unit I have that meets the minimum income, seems to meet the minimum credit score, but robbed a bank 5 years ago, served 4 years, and has been out for almost a year. They disclosed right away. 

    When I researched the person, they passed a note that they had a gun and would shoot everyone if they needed to. They actually got out of the bank, but were captured later due to fingerprints. I do not know if there was actually a gun. 

    I have one other inherited tenant that has a recent felony and they are a wonderful tenant that I will likely keep for many years.

    I have other applicants, but but wanted to see what other folks thought - if nothing else, it's a fun thought exercise. :)

    It’s a weapons offense. No, unless the law in your place tells you you have to ignore it.
    1Reply
  • Adam Martin
    Rental Property Investor · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    I am not very lenient when it comes to screening for criminal pasts, there are just too many good renters out there.  I'll look past speeding tickets or a DUI, maybe possession if it was just weed but I have my hard no's.  No drug distribution, no evictions, no sex offenders, and possibly the most important to me is no violent crime.  I don't care if he had a gun or not that was probably one of the worst experiences for that teller they could have while on the job.  How comfortable are you going to be letting them know the rent is late or they have lease violations knowing in the past at least they had no issue threatening someone's life. I feel like this sentence should have been far closer to 40 years vs. 4.  Unless you are in a warzone where you need to lay down cover fire and he will fit right in I'd keep looking.  

    3Reply
  • Alan F.
    Flipper/Rehabber · CA · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Is he paying in cash? (Sorry couldn't resist) Also ROFL at Chris' comment.

    But Seriously....NO

    3Reply
  • Account Closed
    Investor · Scottsdale Austin Tuktoyaktuk · Member since 2021 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Erin Church:

    So, I've come across something I hadn't contemplated. I have someone that is interested in a vacant unit I have that meets the minimum income, seems to meet the minimum credit score, but robbed a bank 5 years ago, served 4 years, and has been out for almost a year. They disclosed right away. 

    When I researched the person, they passed a note that they had a gun and would shoot everyone if they needed to. They actually got out of the bank, but were captured later due to fingerprints. I do not know if there was actually a gun. 

    I have one other inherited tenant that has a recent felony and they are a wonderful tenant that I will likely keep for many years.

    I have other applicants, but but wanted to see what other folks thought - if nothing else, it's a fun thought exercise. :)

    Maybe you should ask where he was last domiciled and check the records there too. It is extrememly rare for someone to get that kind of conviction without other priors and it was probably pleaded down. What was he actually charged with?

    1Reply
  • David Dey
    Investor · Lakeland, FL · Member since 2015 · 344 posts · 606 votes
    2y

    Well, on the plus side, he should have the rent.

    (You didn’t say if they recovered the money)

    So having watched plenty of thief movies like oceans 11-75 and all the ones involving Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnin, I say GO FOR IT!!

    They are incredible house keepers, they seem to always be on the move (so less wear and tear on the property.  

    And it’s only the good guys that seem to have personal property damage from the bad guys bombing them.  

    If Peter Parker were to apply to my properties, I would automatically stamp, “NO!!”
    All the movies and comics show him to be terrible renter material.  (You’d think with all that power, he’d include paying bills part of his responsibility)

    So I’m thinking villain rental service is a growing niche you should heavily look into.  

    I think you have a winner on your hands!!

    (PS take everything I said and assume the inverse… except the Peter Parker thing!! He really seems like a horrible renter.  He may have a heart of gold but that don’t pay my bills)

    0Reply
  • JD MartinBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

    Not only no, but Hell no. Can you not find anyone else? 

    And I don't care what local laws say...this is your property and your livelihood....you do what is best for you. They can't 'force you to consider situations', just find someone else.


     This is what I was going to say, almost word for word. Except my drill commander in boot camp would not have said hell. He would have used different terminology. 

    I don't rent to felons. I don't particularly care what the circumstances are. Maybe in a different market I'd have to think about it, but I have enough demand to not worry about it. 

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  • Aaron Maxwell
    Member since 2017 · 125 posts · 36 votes
    2y

    @Erin Church if I owned a property for half way homes or people coming out of prison

    1Reply
  • David M.
    Member since 2022 · 66 posts · 68 votes
    2y
    I would not rent to this person.  I have enough trouble with alcoholics and drug addicts to even consider ex-cons who robbed a bank!  Hard pass/
    1Reply
  • Colleen F.Pro Member
    Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    2y

    @Erin Church  given the description and the fact he is one year out no.   If you are running a SRO place or similar that might be your client.  A longer duration I would consider it. I had a guy with a 10 year old felony (out 10 years) and no issue. I would caution you that the press is a source but not the best source on an accurate record.  

    @Account Closed    Maybe in the west it is extremely rare to go to jail for this as a first offense but in MA/RI first offense or not for this they would get jail time.    Know a kid that spent 2 years in jail for driving someone to a quick check and the "friend" held up the store, just driving. No record. Even an unregistered weapons possession normally doesn't go without some jail time. 

    2Reply
  • Justin BrickmanBusiness Member
    Realtor · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2021 · 502 posts · 274 votes
    2y

    If you gotta ask, you probably shouldn't! 

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  • Carlos Ptriawan
    Member since 2019 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Cathy B.:
    Quote from @Erin Church:

    So, I've come across something I hadn't contemplated. I have someone that is interested in a vacant unit I have that meets the minimum income, seems to meet the minimum credit score, but robbed a bank 5 years ago, served 4 years, and has been out for almost a year. They disclosed right away. 

    When I researched the person, they passed a note that they had a gun and would shoot everyone if they needed to. They actually got out of the bank, but were captured later due to fingerprints. I do not know if there was actually a gun. 

    I have one other inherited tenant that has a recent felony and they are a wonderful tenant that I will likely keep for many years.

    I have other applicants, but but wanted to see what other folks thought - if nothing else, it's a fun thought exercise. :)

    First question is:  what does your screening criteria say and what do the laws in your area say about this? 
    As an example, In City of Portland where I am, they have very specific screening criteria that you should follow.  The low barrier option, allows for a certain amount of past criminal history. 

    i would go AGAINTS city of portland rule by conscious.
    we are not dumb, correct. we are asset manager, we don't want to protect criminals.

    if the city (like portland) like to protect criminal, we will get out , we dont follow the law from the city that protect criminals.

    it is so simple

    1Reply
  • Jeff S.
    Specialist · Portland, OR · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    @Erin Churchlooks like he expected to get off easy and he did. First of all a great deal of fear on your part would be appropriate. Are you qualified to deal with a personality like this.

    There is a movement in some governments and  businesses these days in giving offenders housing and employment. If you think about it having offenders be desperate is not a safe way to go for society so there is that too.

    It is possible he has support legally so I would be careful how you reject him and reject his application is what I would do if I felt sure I would not end up on the wrong side of a discrimination lawsuit. 

    Is he of a protected class? Lawsuit potential. Be careful sometimes a bad tenant is preferrable to a lawsuit supported by governments and the like. That is the type of advice we in Portland, OR are getting and are advised to use low barrier screening.

    0Reply
  • Erin ChurchPro Member
    OP
    Real Estate Agent · North Augusta, SC · Member since 2017 · 254 posts · 233 votes
    2y

    Thank you all for the input! I am not renting to the person and let them know that it was because the felony was classified as violent. (The property is in SC, so we have pretty landlord-friendly laws.) As I mentioned in the first post, I do have quite a few other folks that are interested and am looking for the one that I think will be a good tenant so that I won't have any safety concerns for myself or the other house on the property. (The unit being rented is for a cottage behind a house.) I just thought it was so interesting to have an actual bank robber apply to one of my units!

    @Cathy B. - You're spot on! My screening criteria doesn't allow recent violent felonies. I agree with you and @Colleen F. and it is case by case if they felonies are over 10 years old.

    @John Clark - I agree, and the timeline makes it tougher to even consider.

    @Chris Seveney and @Alan F. and @David Dey I like the way you all think! ;-) hehehe 

    @Adam Martin - I agree with you. I will potentially be lenient on some things if they are over 10 years old, but I have a hard time when it's recent. 

    @JD Martin - I usually don't. It has to be quite special circumstances for me to genuinely consider it (like a long time since it happened, established credit, steady job, good income, great references, etc). 

    @Justin Brickman - That is probably the most succinct way of putting it! :)

    @Jeff S. - I'm lucky enough to be in a state that's pretty landlord friendly. I'm not sure of protected classes as I didn't look up mug shots. 

    @Account Closed - She was sentenced "to 57 months’ imprisonment for Bank Robbery. She was also ordered to pay $6590 in restitution to the bank." So, I found the Bank Robbery charge and it was classified as a violent crime. I agree that it wouldn't be worth the risk for me, my property, or other folks in the front house (two houses, one parcel). 

    Again, I have enjoyed reading all of your responses and appreciate the input! I just thought it was such a novel instance to come across! :)

    1Reply
  • Jessie Dillon
    Investor · Hopedale, MA · Member since 2021 · 321 posts · 212 votes
    2y

    my first thought would be "if/when other tenants in the building find out about this new tenant's past, will they want to leave?" ...if it could lead to a surge in vacancy and turnovers for me, i'd be weary. but if your average resident wouldn't really care, i'd probably give them a chance! be mindful of any local laws around what you can/can't deny a tenant over. be sure to touch base with a RE attorney.

    1Reply
  • Zachary Ware
    Member since 2022 · 405 posts · 455 votes
    2y

    Given the information you provided it would be a no from me. Violent crime, short duration since release are big factors here. 

    2Reply
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