Updated over 9 years ago on . Most recent reply
Trouble Chosing
Hi Folks,
Hoping for some thoughts from some experienced landlords. I am trying to choose between two applicants. I think I know what to do but wanted to get feedback.
Applicant A:
Unmarried couple, very blue collar. At first glance their story seems to check out - they say they are moving because the duplex they are living in now is being sold (According to redfin it is for sale). She says she loves plants and keeping the home clean etc. The only pictures in the for sale add are of the outside and I can see plants on the porch, the lawn looks taken care of. She collects SS for a living and he has been a bus driver since forever.
However, I cant seem to shake a bad feeling in the back of my mind about them and processing the application didn't help. Things of note:
*They didn't take the time to answer all the questions on the application, many were left blank
*She has less then 600 credit, multiple delinquency, serious delinquency, revolving credit to high. He has no credit score due to lack of credit history
*The number they gave me for their current landlord is not correct
*The reported occupancy dates on the screening report dont seem to be completely accurate but both seem to have a history of bouncing around and locations for each are different so they must not have been together very long
*They brought the deposit in cash to the showing
Applicant B:
Single mother. Her 5 year old child was pretty wild and fairly defiant but she seemed well put together and professional. She has been working at a pharmacy benefits company for about a year now and claims she worked at a bank prior. She claims she wants to move here because the schools are better then her current location. She also spent a long time filling out the application and made sure to answer every question.
She did volunteer that she had a bankruptcy in the past due to job loss but that her credit score should be above 600. I haven't sent her application to processing yet as trying to decide what to do with Applicant A first.
Most Popular Reply
@Byron Bohlsen I would go with your gut, We like stress free tenants. Honestly I would hold off for others if possibly. Do you have a minimum requirement on your application that all need to have? For instance must have 600 or high credit score, no bankruptcy.