Bad Screening for tenant with advance rent for 6 months

Tenant Screening
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Bad Screening for tenant with advance rent for 6 months

Naga Sumanth
Member since 2023 · 2 posts · 2 votes

Hi,

i am first time investor just closed a brand new investment home for renting out in TX Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) area.

I’ve had husband & wife toured and apply for screening. Everything is bad - criminal history- such as possession of drugs, DUI, little to no monthly income.
I have rejected their application. 
Now, they come back and are ready to pay 6 months rent + 1 month security deposit trying to convince, that they are trying to be good now starting over life with 1.5 year old baby and have money from wife’s mother will (wife’s mother recently passed away)


what should i do ?  i am thinking of transferring it to ziprent property management to do lease writing and property management? Is it advisable to rent for 6 month lease ? Can they dispute and get the money back after moving in. Please suggest your expertise opinions.

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Bruce Lynn
Real Estate Broker · Coppell, TX · Member since 2011 · 5k+ posts · 4k+ votes
3y

Hard NO.....these things rarely work out.  Just too many competing priorities.  

Never heard of ziprent, but if they are some kind of online nationwide PM company, typically I would not use them.   Use a local expert.   You want EXCELLENT PM to keep you out of trouble like this.

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  • Richard F.
    Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3y
    Aloha,

    Hard Pass. You screen for a reason, do not change your criteria to fit the applicant. Fair Housing Laws apply.
    4Reply
  • Bruce Lynn
    Real Estate Broker · Coppell, TX · Member since 2011 · 5k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    3y

    Hard NO.....these things rarely work out.  Just too many competing priorities.  

    Never heard of ziprent, but if they are some kind of online nationwide PM company, typically I would not use them.   Use a local expert.   You want EXCELLENT PM to keep you out of trouble like this.

    4Reply
  • Jill F.
    Investor · Akron, OH · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    3y
    Nope on those tenants. That screening tells  you everything you need to know. (I don't know anything about ziprent)
    3Reply
  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    3y

    @Naga Sumanth how will they pay rent after the 6 months upfront runs out?

    How likely do you think they will change their past history and leave the drugs, DUI, etc behind?

    YOU are exactly the type of DIY landlord that falls for these professional tenants and keeps them going.

    DO NOT RENT TO THEM!

    Also, go hire a professional property management company to protect yourself from yourself.

    [email protected]248-209-6824
    Logical Property Management4.9458 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    2Reply
  • Kyle MccawBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Keller, TX · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    @Naga Sumanth DO NOT APPROVE THEM

    If you are going to manage your own property you need to take the emotions out. There will be a more qualified application soon.

    McCaw Property Management4.4905 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Naga Sumanth
    OP
    Member since 2023 · 2 posts · 2 votes
    3y

    Thanks for all the responses and appreciate the suggestions. i've decided NOT to move in with that tenant.

    2Reply
  • Adam Martin
    Rental Property Investor · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    Good idea letting this one go.  Advanced rent doesn’t mitigate risk it just kicks it down the road.  They got lucky with a windfall but with little income what are they going to do when the 6 months up.  Some places you can collect a higher deposit which does help mitigate risk but there are too many good applicants for me to take the chance.  

    0Reply
  • Kevin Coco-Senyszyn
    Real Estate Agent · Keller, TX · Member since 2022 · 62 posts · 37 votes
    3y

    I'd suggest staying with your original choice to turn down their application due to their background. It might be tempting to take the 6-month rent upfront, but their criminal history and limited income bring a lot of risks. It's a smart move to consider partnering with a property management company to help screen potential tenants and manage your property. Keep in mind that short-term leases with high-risk tenants can lead to costly and time-consuming evictions, among other problems. Trust your gut and focus on securing dependable, long-term tenants.

    0Reply
  • Joel Case
    Rental Property Investor · Ocean Springs, MS · Member since 2022 · 349 posts · 301 votes
    3y

    They did not pass your screening. Have a clear criteria and stick to it, you don't want to possibly discriminate. 

    1Reply
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