Tenants that don't check the minimum credit score box.

[Caleb Clay]

I have some younger tenants that are applying to rent a 2/1 from me. They said they have unpaid medical bills and that wrecked their credit. I was thinking of keeping 2x monthly rent for a security deposit to offset the risk. Has anyone had success with this? I know states are different on the amount of deposit you can hold but wondered if anyone could lead me in the right direction to get a concrete answer other than calling an attorney. This property is in Alabama. Thank you!

[Nathan Gesner]

I look at the whole person. It's common for credit to be destroyed by medical or divorce but that doesn't automatically disqualify someone. What's their rent:income ratio? How long have they held their current job? Do they have strong Landlord references?

I would certainly take their negative credit into consideration but it's not an automatic disqualifier.