Prospective Tenant Rent or Not Rent Unusual Situation

[Terri Hightower]

I am renting out a small 2/2 house in my area. I had an older lady come in who gave me a presentation folder that included her intro letter, completed rental application, her credit scores and rental into that she got from a prop mgr credit report site, professional, personal and rental references with contact information. All check out and are excellent references across the board. On time, quiet takes care of rental non smoker. She owned a small service business for over 20 years. She is looking for long long term. She has come to this area from a different state as she was born, raised, went to school here and has friends/family. She is impeccably dressed etc.She unfortunately now as a senior finds herself with only Social Security Disability and Section 8 Voucher, will be getting assistance to pay her utilities. A position she says she has never been in in her entire life...quote unquote. She just doesn't seem to be a typical low income section 8 renter from what I understand. Her situation is sad and I feel bad for her. However, I've never rented to low income section 8 before. I'm just wondering should I take a chance on her. My gut says I should as I believe she would be an excellent tenant but thought I better get some feedback. Whew! That was a mouthful lol.

Terri

[Terri Hightower]

Thanks for the quick replies. Good to have different experiences to consider.  I don't see the option to reply individually...so: To Brie, hypothetically would you rent to this lady? To Lynn, I am going to contact the State. I had no idea that there were tough rules about what could be in the rental.I looked online and there's a contact number for property owners. Lawn work is done by me. I have a gardener who comes to do that and the cost is included in my rent amount. Repairs are done by a friend of mine who is a contractor. The house is in great condition cosmetically and otherwise. I've had a long term tenant who I hated to lose as she took care of it immaculately and based on this lady's rental references, that was their experience as well. This is the only rental I have at this point.

Terri