Good Rental History But Poor Credit History

[Wale Lawal]

Hey Guys,

I am currently screening few tenant application for one of my rentals, One of the my potential tenants have great rent payment history but poor credit score with few collections in his record. No criminal background.

He has his own electric company so he his self-employed with 6-figure annual income. I just don't understand why he would allow payments to go to collections. His wife is Veteran and a Joint Applicant with about $3,000 monthly income.

Monthly Rent is $1,500

TransUnion SmartMove recommend that I "DECLINE" this applicant.

BTW, I care more about consistent rent payment.

Please I need you to share your experience on this type of tenant.

Looking forward to a real-life experience on this.

Thank you 

[Dave Spooner]

I would wholeheartedly agree. Simply ask them what happened and why they let those lines of credit go to collections. I'd also strongly advice doing your due diligence and speaking with references, past landlords, and I would probably ask for some business contacts.