184: Rookie Reply: Should You Rent to a Bankrupt Tenant?

Real Estate Rookie

This week’s question comes from Andrew on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Andrew is asking: How would you handle a prospective tenant that has a bankruptcy on their record?

Tenant screening is almost as important as rental property screening. A bad tenant can not only cost you potential rent but cause thousands or tens of thousands in damages if not handled correctly. This is why landlords are so strict when evaluating tenants, as a good tenant can mean next-to-nothing maintenance and a bad tenant can mean habitual headaches. It’s up to you whether or not a potential tenant meets your criteria. When evaluating, remember to stay within your legal limits!

Got a tenant with some questionable financial history? Here’s how to proceed:

Speak with the applicant and get their side of the story while trusting your gut

Verify the applicant is truthful by running a credit check and background check

Use a property management software that allows you to report a tenant’s monthly payments to credit bureaus

Look at the applicant’s job history, debt-to-income ratio, and if they have any repossessions

Know that people who have filed bankruptcy may only have the option to rent (for a while)

And more in the episode…

If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE).

Links from the Show

Real Estate Rookie Podcast

Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel

Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group

Alpha Geek Capital

Belmont Housing Authority

RentRedi

Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-184

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