Then the cry was he couldn't afford any rent (I hadn't even mentioned an amount) because he was on disability. 

The landlord/tenant relationship does not have to be adversarial, and framing the "inspections" as routine maintenance that you take care of so the tenant doesn't have to makes it sound like you're the nice guy.If you haven't been inside in years, how do you know what's going on?

@Josh K.In contrast to what others have told you, it is relatively easy to pull credit histories for either Canadian or U.S.A. citizens.We routinely rent to students from the U.S.A. and use a credit service, such as TVS, which operates in both our countries and allows us to pull either Canadian or U.S.A. credit histories.  

After speaking with her, I found out that she was receiving her disability, retirement, and social security check around the 3rd of the month (rent due on the first).

I routinely pass out the lead information booklet and have the tenants sign the disclosure forms. 

The only problem is that she is disabled, i.e blind.

Here are a few of the Massachusetts laws, rules, and regulations, and a few Federal ones your property manager should be aware of, and understand to avoid possible problems between tenants, municipalities, and lawyers (not that they are bad people at all):Tenant/Landlord Law MGL 186 ss15B; 93a; 139 ss19Housing Discrimination Law: Title VIII of Civil Rights Amendment of 1968Information Protection Act: 201 CMR 17.00 & 93HState Sanitary Code 780 CMRState Building Code 105 CMR 410International Building Code (IBC)International Energy Code (IBC energy Code)American Disabilities ActGood starting points:Offense: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-landlord-and-tenantDefense: https://www.mass.gov/guides/the-attorney-generals-guide-to-landlord-and-tenant-rightsSome light reading to keep you out of court rooms...ENJOY!!!

When I say I have been at this quite a long time, it is absolutely true, because I have logged more hours in the Courtroom than most of my colleagues in my particular peer group.But that is besides the point, because nothing about that changes the nature of the information I am providing.I have routinely argued and had upheld, in my jurisdiction, attorney fee provisions for 25% of principal owed.

He/She meets the definition of disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

My husband and myself will live there part-time as we help take care of my developmentally disabled sister and it's actually closer to both our jobs.Thanks so much.