All Forum Posts by: Raghu Reddy

This is a common tactic. People offer to pay cash up front or rent for a longer term in hopes of avoiding any scrutiny. It's a red flag and you should absolutely check them closely. However, they've already mentioned a felony, which indicates they probably aren't the most clever scammers. I would avoid them.

Do yourself a favor and watch "Pacific Heights" with Alex Keaton. It's a perfect example of how the most attractive applicant can be the worst choice.

Nope. No new arrivals. Job transfer? Two year min on job, and show proof. 

I would be concerned of their run-in with the law. A clean background is important. While people can change for the better, its imperative to run a thorough background check and a full credit report. Have them fill out an application form listing their previous place of employments, references, etc. Verify employment by calling. Call references they listed. Inquire with previous landlords that they have rented from if applicable. 

A year's rent paid in cash sounds great and all! But not worth the headache if the tenants bring about non-monetary stress. Not all that glitters is gold.

No. Absolutely not.

According to Heather and Brandon Turner's book, the fact that they want to put so much money up front means they are trying to distract you from something else they don't want you to see, and hope that offering you enough money will accomplish that. This information is posted in their book on page 106. (I have no stake in this other than I just read this section in the book, and this is not some kind of marketing ploy by me.) If they disclosed their felony already, there's probably something much worse they want you to "ignore." And, according to their book, if you want to later evict them, having them prepay that much can make it difficult to do so. 

*I hope I'm not breaking any copyright laws, Heather and Brandon, by paraphrasing your book: The Book on Managing Rental Properties. Please let me know if I am.*

No, absolutely don’t rent to them. There are several big red flags here.