Tenant with an eviction

[Devvrat Kumar]

I have an interested applicant who has the required credit score and income requirement, but has an eviction. Should I just say straight no or give a chance? 

[Kevin Sobilo]

@Devvrat Kumar, here are some reasons you MIGHT give someone with an eviction a chance:

1. You have a crappy rental and will charge them ABOVE market rent. 

People with backgrounds typically have less options and may have to pay MORE for LESS in order to secure housing. 

2. The tenant PAID the old landlord. 

You might consider someone with an eviction if they showed they satisfied the judgement against them by paying the old landlord what they owe. 

3. The eviction was MANY years ago. 

I think some states may not allow you to consider things like evictions that are far enough in the past. So, for example if someone had an eviction 15 years ago and are in a totally different place in life now that could be a consideration. 

4. There is some verifiable circumstance. For example someone fleeing domestic violence, BUT there would need to be actual documentation and possibly a reference from the old landlord about the situation. 

I'm sure there are other situations that might give you reason to consider someone with an eviction, BUT keep in the mind the best predictor of FUTURE performance is PAST PERFORMANCE. So, evictions are MOST OFTEN very telling about what kind of tenant they will be for you.