Lawyer as First Tenant?

Question

Hello BP,

I am working on screening applicants for my first rental property.

So far I have few applicants but the strongest one is from a Lawyer. This person is even ready to sign a 2 year lease however the others are not.

My hesitation comes from the fact that this lawyer specializes in real estate (mentioned commercial). Although the applicant checks all boxes, I am concerned that they can/will get litigious given their background. Given this will be my first experience being a landlord, I am making every effort for a smooth sailing.

All other applicants comes with some strings attached.

Please suggest if I should/shouldn't move with this lawyer as my first tenant.

Account Closed · Answer

@Sanjeet Dighawa  we’ve had no problem renting to lawyers. We did get a few more markups from them on our lease though. 😊

Eric Bilderback · Answer

If he gave you hell he would be putting his reputation at risk.  So if you don’t see any red flags I’d go ahead and do it.

Curt Smith · Answer

@Sanjeet Dighawa

I have top screening steps that include a face to face where I meet all residents,  pets, etc.  How do they handle themselves,  calm, kind ti each other?   Well behaved kids?  Pets?

Bad tenancy can be sniffed out.

"How us yoyr current landlord? "  will bait bad tenants to go off. Lol omg I've heard some rants!   Thank goodness too I pass on renters!

Read this book, best on screening   Landlording on auto pilot!  Tops.

I only rent long term, it's #1 requirement in my ad, giving all rental requirements.   I ask what's yiur renting plans?  If they say,  well,, rent fir a year then buy.  I say I support folks buying a house, but I can't take yiu, you dont meet our multi year stay requirement.  Honest I say this and it's Fair housing compliant,   length of stay is fair game.

Professionals often are short stays.

Also,  blue collar tentabs fix things, white collar often can't even change light bulbs.  You'll get alot more fussy calls from white collar!  I dont rent to white collar...

Good luck.

Andrew Freed · Answer

@Sanjeet Dighawa - As long as this person passed all my rental criteria then I would absolutely rent to them. If you're worried about their disposition, you could always inquire further with their work and other references during the screening process. Nonetheless, if they make 3x income, 650+ credit, good debt vs. income, receive positive references, no previous evictions, etc, I would move forward with this applicant all day.

Lastly, as a landlord, as long as you conduct yourself in an ethical manner, address concerns in a timely manner and treat your tenants with respect and empathy, you have nothing to worry about. Legal concerns tend to arise when you do something wrong or have a dispute with someone but if you maintain good relationships with your tenants and provide solid customer service, issues tend to be resolved pretty easily.

Rhett Kelton · Answer

@Sanjeet Dighawa I think he would be a great tenant, especially if it's a 2-year lease. More than likely, he will be able to help you as far as clarifying any lease or legal issues, and then we'll have solid financials as well.

If you start off on the right foot, he will probably be a lot more helpful than hurtful, other than being a little nitpicky.

Jon Kelly · Answer

@Sanjeet Dighawa Are you concerned about not following the law? Maybe you should use a property manager if you have any reservations on following the law.

You generally expect lawyers to be strong tenants. They have a strong income and their reputation means everything to them. I wouldn't expect too many raging parties until 4am and breaking doors/windows.

Bill B. · Answer

If you don’t think you know the real estate laws in your city/state get your own lawyer, or better yet, a PM. Other than that you should have a person who’s job is pretty secure and makes decent money. My main concern would be why are they renting? New to town, divorce, bankruptcy, or?

Sanjeet Dighawa · Answer

@Bill - Thank you for replying. The person has gone through a divorce and is selling their primary home.

Bjorn Ahlblad · Answer

We had the chief legal council for the city our apartment building is in; she was a tenant for two years. She was building a house and it took some time. I met her of course, she gave some great advice (not legal ) to my younger son. I would gladly rent to her again.

Galen Ikonomov · Answer

In the Brandon Turner's book "The book on managing rental properties" the book he co-authored with his wife Heather, one of the NO GO tenants is attorney/lawyer. They know all the ins and outs how not to pay your rent and do it legally.

Good luck with your tenant.

Lawyer as First Tenant?

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