Screening for voucher housing

[Johnnie Fair]

My prospective tenant’s last three housing situation.  1. Lived in a duplex, she gave me the name and number of the landlord but the name doesn’t match her number on caller id.  The person I spoke to didn’t want to give me her husband’s name who is on the lease because they’re getting divorced.  2. lived in a duplex that changed ownership, I called them and sent a verification form over. They said they won’t report on something that old.  It’s been 2 years. The last place she gave me was her grandparents home. Thoughts? Should I move on to the next person or give her a shot?

[Jon K.]

Move on. A single bad tenant will cost you thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. You need to have standard screening criteria and apply it consistently. If you can't get all of the information you need to screen properly, which should include positive past rental references, then it's a pass.