Hi Everybody, Thank you so much for responding to my question! I've learned a lot. This is my first property and my third tenant (multifamily property). My goal was to get feedback from those who have been in the game awhile. Because I'm new I don't trust my gut just yet, but that will come with time. I followed the advice of those who suggested I dig a little deeper and there was good learning. Some of the learning was just about navigating the court sites. I also learned that it may be wise to do a background check on myself just to see what's there LOL.
I did find that the "infraction" was a 2018 speeding ticket (listed as criminal erroneously) that was paid before the court date, two of the charges came from a landlord who regretted filing in 2012, and one was related to a bad boyfriend breakup (broken car side mirror) 2014. I also found a 5th case that was not on the Transunion Smart Move report. This complaint was filed by her own mom in 2008. The angry mom decided to teach her 17 y/o a lesson about borrowing the family car without asking. Mom dropped it well before it went to court when she learned that she had only made more work for herself. Their relationship is fine now.
I did my research and then face-timed the prospective tenant. First, she was surprised I could find this history (spanning 10 years) since she wasnt found guilty for any of it. Second, she owned it and spoke to her personal growth. I also looked at my application, as one of you suggested. It does not ask about past criminal history, court cases or arrests. I only asked about credit, work history, and where she's lived previously.
Going forward, I will make my application more robust. I'll share all of this info with my business partners. If we decide to go forward we may consider a higher security deposit and maybe a guarantor to be on the safer side. We'll see. Regardless, I can't thank you all enough.
All the best, Diana
