Take full years rent from unqualified tenant?

[John Jackson Jr]

I have a prospective tenant that does not meet the criteria of 2x monthly income and a credit score of 650+. He said times were hard and he was out of work but has money saved. He offered to pay a years worth of rent upfront. Thoughts?

I’ve always wondered if in the scenario I take 12 months rent upfront and he turns out not to be the best tenant. For whatever reason I have to evict after 2 months of him staying; would that be hindered due to taking 12 months rent?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

[Jody Sperling]

Don't take the 12 months rent upfront. The prospective tenant is desperate and involved in something you don't want to be part of. No way of knowing what that something is, but there's no reason to find out.

You have a business, and your business has requirements. One of those requirements is 2x monthly income and another is credit score. If you were running a pizza shop and a prospective delivery driver applied who had his license revoked and a DUI, you wouldn't hire him just because he said he'd fallen on hard times.

This is no different. If you want to give back to the community, work with a local charity. Best of luck!