San Francisco, CA · Member since 2017 · 25 posts · 7 votes
Hello BPers!
I had a request from a tenant and I think I know what people will say but I will ask anyway. My Tenant at my home in Indiana has a brother, 30 years old, who is getting out of prison soon. She would like to have him temporarily live in my 3 bedroom 1 bath house. She said this is a safe place for him to get back on his feet. He has been in jail for 3 years. He was convicted of possession of meth twice. He was also convicted of some kind of sex crime 11 years ago as well so the house would be listed in the register if he lived there. I really like giving second chances and helping people get back on their feet (I hire ex cons in my other business with pretty good success) but I feel like there are so many bad things this could potentially bring on. Has anyone else had their tenant ask them for this?
Rental Property Investor · Cleveland, MN · Member since 2017 · 518 posts · 354 votes
7y
While I appreciate your generosity in helping people out, I would say no way. That's not only too much risk, but you'll really upset the neighbors while you're at it. Not many fears as a parent compare to having a sex offender living near your home. I try hard to keep my neighbors happy. That way they keep an eye on my property for me because they like me.
What if he's makes meth in your house? That's something you may have to disclose later when you sell.
I do background checks on all of my tenants. I'm not sure if you do, but he'd never qualify to live in my rentals.
I had a request from a tenant and I think I know what people will say but I will ask anyway. My Tenant at my home in Indiana has a brother, 30 years old, who is getting out of prison soon. She would like to have him temporarily live in my 3 bedroom 1 bath house. She said this is a safe place for him to get back on his feet. He has been in jail for 3 years. He was convicted of possession of meth twice. He was also convicted of some kind of sex crime 11 years ago as well so the house would be listed in the register if he lived there. I really like giving second chances and helping people get back on their feet (I hire ex cons in my other business with pretty good success) but I feel like there are so many bad things this could potentially bring on. Has anyone else had their tenant ask them for this?
Thanks
Brian
Great idea if you are a sociologist, bad idea if you are a realist. You get to choose.
Rental Property Investor · The Vampire State · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
7y
I wouldn't. You are exposing yourself to potential liability (neighbors with kids) and damage to your business (that guy rents to sex offenders/drug criminals). There is way too much down side and no up side that I can see.
If I received that request, I would tell my tenant that, as per the lease, all occupants must undergo a background check. This is for the safety of all residents. On lease up I shoulder the cost of checks, but in these cases I tell the tenants they have to pay, pass or fail. Obviously this guy would not pass.
Rental Property Investor · Cleveland, MN · Member since 2017 · 518 posts · 354 votes
7y
While I appreciate your generosity in helping people out, I would say no way. That's not only too much risk, but you'll really upset the neighbors while you're at it. Not many fears as a parent compare to having a sex offender living near your home. I try hard to keep my neighbors happy. That way they keep an eye on my property for me because they like me.
What if he's makes meth in your house? That's something you may have to disclose later when you sell.
I do background checks on all of my tenants. I'm not sure if you do, but he'd never qualify to live in my rentals.
Rental Property Investor · Erie, PA · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 9k+ votes
7y
get him “ back on his feet” and don’t be surprised when you get “ knocked down off of yours” absolutely I would not be okay with this especially being meth and a sex offender . I mean what is your cutoff point ? Axe murder ? Serial killer ?
Rental Property Investor · Erie, PA · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 9k+ votes
7y
@Brian Horwitz
Your doing the right thing .. you don’t want a meth head stigma on that house for the next decade and you certainly don’t want a predator / pervert living in your property .
I had a request from a tenant and I think I know what people will say but I will ask anyway. My Tenant at my home in Indiana has a brother, 30 years old, who is getting out of prison soon. She would like to have him temporarily live in my 3 bedroom 1 bath house. She said this is a safe place for him to get back on his feet. He has been in jail for 3 years. He was convicted of possession of meth twice. He was also convicted of some kind of sex crime 11 years ago as well so the house would be listed in the register if he lived there. I really like giving second chances and helping people get back on their feet (I hire ex cons in my other business with pretty good success) but I feel like there are so many bad things this could potentially bring on. Has anyone else had their tenant ask them for this?
Thanks
Brian
If you allow it I see risk with absolutely nothing to gain. What's the point?