Would you rent to a couple where only one has good credit?

Question

Hi there.

I came across a few rental applocations where one spouse has >700 credit, and the other has low credit (610) or is in consumer proposal. Would you rent to such applicants?

What is the lowest credit score you will consider in tenants?

Thanks so much.

Paul

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I combine their results if they are married because married couples, particularly with children, have greater stability than any other relationship. If they are friends, roommates, dating, or whatever, then I have minimum qualification standards that each individual must meet.

Tiffany Carrington · Answer

I would say they both have to qualify if for whatever the reason they split the one staying in the apartment can still maintain the bills...

Joshua Morgan · Answer

Depends on why the one spouse has poor credit. My wife and I have a similar situation. I have a reasonably high paying W2 job and all of our credit is in my name so I have a great credit. She has very limited credit history so it doesn't report as good. I'd like to think we'd qualify for my own rentals.

If the one spouse has a consistent history of late payments to utilities and such, then I'd be more hesitant.

John Teachout · Answer

Our minimum is 600. For married couples we consider the combined income, for unmarried couples/roommates we require each of them to qualify financially.

Would you rent to a couple where only one has good credit?

5 Replies