Renting my SFH to a church?

Question

Hi! I got one of my houses up for rent and recieved a message from the pastor of a good sized church who would like to rent the home but allow single mothers to live there until they can get on their feet. Seems like a fairly good deal, they would be responsible for rent between occupants for the duration of the lease and of course I would request any occupants have a background check prior to living in the property. Might even ask extra deposit.

What downsides may I have not considered? Has anyone done this before?

Matt M. · Answer

@Jessica Hughes

Personally I would not be interested in something like this. The possibility of to many different people scares me, amongst other things.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

No. Hard pass for me. Too many moving parts and a lot to go wrong. Even if you're getting double the rent (which you better be)...

Don Gouge · Answer

Just lease directly to the church and make them 100% responsible for what happens. Give them a clear scope of what is allowed and what is not allowed. They are 100% in charge of maintenance and any damage to the house they are responsible for. Make the occupants their problem.

Scott Mac · Answer

Hi Jessica,

Well it seems like it should be a very positive experience for the young ladies who have to endure this situation.

Which (in future years) might make their children's life a little better too.

Seems like it's been an issue for decades: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ1sxIskqXc

If they don't pay the rent, will you evict them (foreclose on the Orphanage), or just let them slide?

Good Luck!

Forclosing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgljMde0ZLI

Jim K. · Answer

I think @Jill F.'s done this. I've done it in a very limited way working with a nonprofit and local law enforcement. I didn't have any problem. Six months, in and out.

David M. · Answer

@Jessica Hughes

Its a balance of trying to do the "right thing" and dealing with the headaches of "doing the right thing."  I may have rented to a young lady placed to me by an association who helps abused mothers (apparently by an abusive cop husband) so there was a lack of transparency.  It seemed like a good thing to do, until apparently she just left...  You might imagine given this situation there could have been other complications.

Does this pastor have any particular reasons why these single mothers are trying to get on their feet?  You might want to know what you are getting involved with...

Jessica Hughes · Answer

Addendum for tenant is a great idea too. You are too fabulous, thanks!

gonna google-stalk this guy and his church a little and give him a call to ask some questions tomorrow!

Colleen F. · Answer

@Jessica Hughes who is signing the lease, what is the maximum occupancy?  What type of single mothers?  By that I mean what is his vision,  housing for displaced single moms in an emergency, kids who are being thrown out due to pregnancy, domestic violence situations?  People who lose employment? refugees?   Does he plan to have multiple families concurrently like a home for pregnant teens or one family at a time.  If the former will he establish guidelines for the minors regarding visitors.  I would see if his vision seems workable/ in line with tenants you would accept.  If he has a current tenant in mind would they pass your screening?

I haven't done this but I have had experience with the church renting to someone and a change in pastor can have an impact so is the pastor established?  has he been there for a while?

Joe S. · Answer

It could be a good thing or it could be a bad thing. I am pro church. With that being said the pastor may not actually realize what he’s getting into. Everybody wants free housing but who would ever wanna move out? If the pastor did try to ask those receiving free assistance to move out what if they didn’t? If the church put up a larger than normal security deposit and was 100% responsible for the maintenance etc. that might be something to look into. Like I said earlier I am definitely pro church.  I just don’t think that some well-meaning pastors understand some of the bloodsucking leeches that target big hearted churches.

Renting my SFH to a church?

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