All Forum Posts by: Robert Drach

Thanks everybody.  May sound crazy, but I went with the job-seeking bunch (group B) after getting a rock-solid cosigner.  Really couldn't get past how positive all of the employer/landlord referrals were.  Will let y'all know if I made a huge mistake.

Thomas, 

This house is near a university, and I always expected my tenants were likely to be transients (students).  I am prepared precisely for the situation you described! These are the two most qualified applicants. 

That's what I thought you would suggest.

One final defense of group B and their job prospects: I don't think they should have trouble getting wait/bar tending jobs in the current job market...

Thinking I'll reach out and ask if they could get a co-signer.  Their references/credit scores make me feel like they deserve a shot.

So I am pretty sure I know what the answer here is going to be, but here is my first dilemma as a new landlord. Took a few applications the other day. Two qualified groups of tenants.  Both groups of 4 young adult roommates for a 4 bedroom house.

Both groups have comparable, good credit scores and clean background checks.

Group A live in town and have various low paying jobs, but between the 4 of them have a >4:1 income/rent ratio.

Group B are similar, but make considerably more, for a 7:1 ratio.

The catch: they are moving here from a smaller town nearby, and only one is keeping their job.  The other three have service jobs and will need to find new employment.  One has a side gig lined up for minimal pay, one swears he could get a restaurant job from a friend if  nothing else works out.  I feel like I'm rolling the dice with this group, but their job/landlord references all have the most positive, glowing reviews of them all, "responsible," "hard working," etc. They all have some savings to last a few months, and their average credit score is a hair higher than group A (by less than 10 points)

Thoughts?