Screening a couple now - Landlord Forum thread 326114

Screening a couple now by Anonymous (CA) on October 21, 2014 @22:22

I'm screening an unmarried couple now. Two kids each. I use 700 as bottom line credit score. They have 695 and 655 and both have a few negative remarks on reports. Lots of accounts show up. Some closed by the bank or credit issuer, and some closed by the applicant. One has 16 total lines of credit-mostly revolving. One has 11 total accounts. I'm waiting on a couple of references. Two things bug me about the man.
Business owner, says he makes $60,000/yr but can't produce adequate paperwork. Also, and possibly more important to me, is that the man will be breaking his one-year-lease with his apartment. Opinions? I think denial but I am partial to him because he is retired military and I like that.

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Re: Screening a couple now by Anonymous on October 21, 2014 @23:08	[ Reply ]

You can easily deny him for 2 reasons: 1.) While the credit scores are 'good', there are negatives and a lot of accounts. What's the total debt? 2.) If he can't/won't provide paperwork that proves his income, then you deny.

Re: Screening a couple now by Bill on October 21, 2014 @23:09	[ Reply ]

If this guy mades $60,000 on his business and collects a military pension he should have used some of it to pay his bills. The fact that he did not pay his bills translates into a high likelihood that your rent will not always be paid. He can not produce adequate paper work because it is all bad. It is OK to like this applicant because he is retired military just be ready to get stiffed on the rent fairly regular like the others who got stiffed and left negative remarks on the credit report. Especially be prepared to be stiffed when when he moves out one day and you are left with the one without a job and two kids. These applicants stink.

Re: Screening a couple now

Re: Screening a couple now by Garry (Iowa) on October 22, 2014 @09:59	[ Reply ]

You are right. If he is willing to break his lease where he is currently living, to move into your place,what is going to stop him from doing the same thing to you. If you decide to rent to him, have him put his money where his mouth is. Charge him the maximum deposit that your state allows you to charge, and get the last months rent also------all up front in cash.

Re: Screening a couple now by Anonymous on October 22, 2014 @11:26	[ Reply ]

This is an easy decision. He is NOT QUALIFIED. Look at the facts: 1. Cannot prove income, not qualified. 2. Broken lease, not qualified. Retired military status is irrelevant. NOT QUALIFIED!

Re: Screening a couple now by Nicole (PA) on October 22, 2014 @11:37	[ Reply ]

real/legitimate/successful small business owners can prove their income and know what and how to do so. I have been self employed for many, many years and I know exactly what is required.

Re: Screening a couple now

Re: Screening a couple now by Anonymous on October 22, 2014 @16:22	[ Reply ]

Thanks for the objective remarks. I will deny and take my subjectivity out of the decision.