Applicant with past bankruptcy + maxed out credit cards

[April Kaivo]

First time landlords and we are screening a person who meets/exceeds income requirements, but has a bankruptcy (15 years ago). They also have 50k in credit card debt and 5 of the cards are nearly maxed out. Being first time landlords, this worries us. They have stable income, have history of long tenancy with positive recommendation from past landlord. And they don’t have any delinquencies on credit card payments. Any advice? Should we accept or pass? 

[Zachary Ware]

Did you speak to their landlord before the most recent? Some landlords will tell a great story to get out of a bad tenant.