Renting to a divorce filed applicant ? Is it safe?

[Kali V.]

Hi there-

I am in the process of listing my new purchase (townhome) for leasing in VA, and I have an applicant who is willing to rent with good financials but recently filed for divorce. He owns a single family house now and planning to sell it once he leases the house. He mentioned the reason for leasing is primarily 1) downsizing , and 2) don't want to live in the marital property. He has a son and mom live with him. Do you think I can rent him if he checks out screening process ?

I wonder why he choose to move/lease when he already owns a house and add additional expense until he sells ? I thought may be, he was asked to leave his home, but the county records show that the house he owns deed is recorded on both wife and husband name. I am not sure what can i ask him to get more details here and make sure i am doing this correctly.

Please advise.

Thank you

Prasad

[Patricia Steiner]

Is he qualified to rent from you?  If so, do yourself a favor and forget you ever heard the "D" word.  All you care about is that rent is paid on time, each and every month, and that he adheres to the terms of the lease. When you choose not to step into a tenant's personal relationships and challenges and focus only on what makes for a qualified tenant/enforcing the lease, you're officially running a business.  Keep it all business...leave the chaos to him.