Potential renter from out of state- would you accept or reject?

[Kay M.]

Hello,

I have a potential tenant who has found my rental from out of state. She's moving for a well respected, good job here which puts her at 3.5X income. Her current verifiable income would only put her just under 3X. Letter of job offer is what she was offering as proof. Her last rental history was 7 years, which is a plus. 

CA law allows us to collect one month's deposit, which she would max out at, since she has pets that I'm accepting. 

My concern is, she would not have verifiable income and I would have to go on references and employment verification alone. She also has not seen the house in person and does not know the area. Personality wise, she's very forward with getting the rental as well. 

Thoughts and opinions appreciated! 

[Theresa Harris]

If her references check out and you can talk to her (and see her ie facetime, zoom), ask for a non-refundable deposit that once she moves in will become her security deposit.  That protects you if she changes her mind.