Finding rental homes for tenants with poor credit

Status: Open
Jun 02, 2017 Views1,480 Answer a Question

A large part of my current business comes from distressed properties, typically in a short sale condition. With this, many sellers are on a path of forward momentum. Many are in their situations due to job loss and delinquencies too large to over come on the mortgage, but current job and income are more than sufficient to rent. I have been successful in finding rental for most up to now, but it is far more difficult with the credit issues that come with mortgage default. So far, I have been asking clients to provide letter to potential landlords that will explain the situation they will definitely see on their credit report as well as speak to listing agents regarding their clients flexibility on approval requirements. I also keep an eye out for lease by owners who may not have an application process. There is almost always a higher deposit which clients are prepared for. Is there anything else I should be looking for in these cases?

About 6 years ago
For clients like this I would recommend helping them find an apartment instead of a home. Apartments have far looser criteria...most will accept bankruptcy, mortgage default etc. The only thing apartments are strict on is criminal background. Try and tour with your client and make sure your client knows to list your name and company on the guest cards and the application. In many cases, the commission (aka referral fee) paid by apartments is more than we would get on a rental home. I made over $3000 on just one apartment client last year. Not all apartments pay locators though and the amounts are set by the individual apartment and vary greatly. Apartment Data Services offers a free website for realtors to search apartments and see what these locator fees are.
About 6 years ago
It's best to send your clients to a credit repair program. Ask your preferred lender, if they get started maybe showing the future landlord that they are working on this will help. Hopefully this will help them see that they are trying to better their credit and are taking action in repairing their credit. Some good faith should go the right way!
Disclaimer: Answers provided are just opinions and should not be accepted as advice.
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