Qualify individually? - Landlord Forum thread

Qualify individually? by JW (Florida) on July 18, 2012 @10:50

When evaluating potential roommates, or related people over the age of 18, do you insist that each individual applicant have gross monthly income of at least 3X the rent (or whatever your criteria is), or do you only make them qualify as a group (pooled incomes)?

I'm worried that if I try to qualify them individually, I will a) scare off roommates b) run into a potential discrimination problem since I do not treat married couples in this manner.

thanks

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Re: Qualify individually? by Micah on July 18, 2012 @10:54	[ Reply ]

I usually have diminished requirements for roommates (2.5 per person). If they ask why, I tell them that if one person flakes and or leaves I need to know that I will still get paid.

Re: Qualify individually?

Re: Qualify individually? by Stephen (WA) on July 18, 2012 @11:34	[ Reply ]

We use pooled income (2.5x) AND have them sign a statement that each is responsible for the rent. I think this is an eye-opener for some of them. The one recent time we had one roommate bail we allowed the remaining tenant to find another. We did also screen that new roommate.

Re: Qualify individually? by Anonymous on July 19, 2012 @11:17	[ Reply ]

Should I make a boyfriend & girlfriend qualify individually (at gross income >= 2.5 X rent)? Is there a discrimination issue if I treat roommates or unmarried people differently than married couples/families?

Re: Qualify individually?