How Bad Is Bad?

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Permalink Reply by Tami Bettendorf on January 18, 2011 at 4:06pm

 

Lynda,

Good question! This can often times be a difficult and all too common challenge, because alot of things that arise may be circumstantial.  Many times, it depends on what information is "bad".  Are you considering public records? Rental History? etc.

To better help you answer this question and to protect yourself from potential fair housing claims, we encourage all of our clients to develop rental criteria.  Develop criteria, provide to prospective renters so that the criteria is clear to them, and abide (or have your screening company abide) to it as closely as possible.  Should you decide to make an exception from your written criteria based on circumstantial information, be sure to document the reasoning and include in the tenants file. 

Ask yourself some specific questions like: (to name a few)

-Would I deny for assult in the 4th degree? 3rd?, etc

-How many NSF's, lates and/or notices in 12 months would be reasonable, before denying them tenancy?

-How many months of rental history should they have for straight approval? What about for an increased deposit?

-How much derogatory credit will I allow?

 

These are just a few of MANY questions, but should give you an idea.

Visit www.moco-inc.com OR www.MyScreeningReport.com for information on creating your own criteria. 

I would also be happy to provide you with a sample criteria if it would be helpful.  You can email me at tbettendorf@moco-inc.com or call at 206-505-5301

 

This is also something that your screening company may be able to help you with.  Simply ask if they provide customized recommendations based on your criteria.

 

Hope this helps!

 

 

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