First time screening tenants - need advice

[Ashley Cann]

So, my husband and I finally finished renovating our basement into a two bedroom apartment.  We have one application so far, 2 young men, 22 and 23, first time renters.  One of them has good credit, the other not so good.  Their combined income more than satisfies our criteria, but the lack of rental history and the bad credit on the one guy makes me wonder if we should pass on these guys.  The only way I would consider them is if the parents of the low credit score applicant will cosign for them.  Or should I have both of their parents cosign for them since neither have rented before?  Or should I just pass on them a wait for another application to come in?

[Tyson Hill]

Originally posted by @Samuel Sedore:

Unless your renting to students do not accept 2 young males into your homes. The fact that there is 2 of them tells me money is a problem. Unless of course they are a couple which is a different story.

Not being biased considering I'am 23, most people under 25 I wouldn't consider. Specifically someone who has never rented before, they are probably used to Mommy and Daddy cleaning up after them and may lack basic responsibility. Also I have yet to meet anyone in that bracket, specifically when there is 2 people sharing a unit, that don't throw at least 1 party.

Ashley, you can't not rent to some one because they are "2.. males" as suggested by this post. Sex is a protected class and that will get you fined big time with the Federal Fair Housing Act. I would highly recommend you reading those laws and make sure you are screening without violating any of those laws. The penalties are steep!