A 17 year old with a 15 year old is not a sex offender although our very corrupt criminal justice system says otherwise and that is actually what happened. The problems you will encounter will be from neighbors and other "civic minded individuals" and not so much the offender per se. Follow your gut instinct, because a general rule, you can tell about people from the condition of their clothes and their demeanor. From the wording of your question, it sounds as if the apprehension isn't as much the sex offender as it is the "civic minded." Another avenue you may investigate is the possibility of getting him to buy a inexpensive home with a payment in range with the rent he would pay.
Your best option is to contact the department where he is required to register with. He should have some kind of sex offender identification or registration card issued from that department. If you think he would be a good client, make that call while he and his wife are there in your office. By doing this, he will know that you don't look down on him for what he was convicted of. Ask the officer in charge what the state requirements are for sex offender residence in your area. He will probably have to register with the local police department if in the city and the Sheriff Department if outside the city. Most can't reside within 1,000 feet of a school, park or other places potential victims spend significant time. Ask the registrar what, if any, requirements he has to fulfill: eg; is he required to register quarterly, annually, etc. The more information that you get from the registering authority the more information you have to work with AND you have a contact at the police department ro report any harassment of you by "civic minded" individuals.
The fact that you would even consider renting to someone with such a background shows your decency and kind heartedness.
Lee Russell; CLeer Enterprises: Amarillo, Texas.
