There is no reason to complicate your business by having to rent to a higher risk tenant than necessary.Foster families can be very unstable and will often have "special children" that may cause extensive damage to the property.Unless you are interested in dedicating your business to taking in charity cases just keep looking for regular tenants with less complicated life situations.

I recently learned this when researching for a local charity regarding whether or not they would need to install handicap access to a second floor with only an outside staircase.  

It's charity not business.

I'm running a business, not a charity, and I assume that you are as well.  

On the other side of the coin, you can provide a much-needed service, just like any other business - that is not a charity.  

I disagree 100% - this is a business, not a charity... succeeding in Detroit is VERY difficult, there is no time for weakness. 

I don't get gifts from my mortgage company, insurance company, utilities, Home Depot...or my grocery store the gas station or any other place that I don't have a personal relationship with.......If you seriously think giving a $25 gift card to a tenant is the driving force for them to stay or go, then you are delusional on tenant motivations.Now if I had some good tenant that is a single mother, with 4 kids working 2 jobs, I might give them something for the kids.... that's charity.... not a gift to make them "like me" and stay in my unit.To each their own....do as you feel is fit...... but be real honest with yourself....

It's a business not a charity and tenants are neither family or friends.

You are operating a business and not a charity.

And i get it many simply dont have the wherewithal to be giving charity to tenants..