Got a couple who are applying for my vacant one bedroom. Minimum income needed is $ 30,000. Together they make $ 50,000 and will be working at the same place (Best Buy), but have never lived together. She's moving out of her parent's home and it's uncertain where he's living. Claims credit is good. I'm not sure how that $ 50,000 breaks down. Also, she just got her job at Best Buy. It's uncertain how long the boyfriend has been there but I'll sort that once we meet. In short, we have no LL history, her starting a new job (previous job was in retail), no history of them living together and they're young 23 and 25. If I approve, I'm thinking SD, 1st and last and at least one of them has to be making 30K. How do you guy's handle this type of situation?

G,

Careful. Stick to the non-discriminatory facts - Don't mention age.

You must screen them as any other applicants regarding combined income.

You cannot differentiate between married, shackup, or roommates, so you cannot say "One needs to make $X" unless your written criteria says that for ALL applicant couples.

I'm concerned about her short employment, hoping he has longer.

My new app asks for previous employment to determine if the applicant did hold a job for some time but made a recent change.

Millenials are expected to have 15-20 jobs during their work life.

Also, Best Buy is closing many stores. Check online.

Good luck!

Screen x3. (Effort)

I'm surprised you don't know how the income breaks down, and assume you allowed two unrelated adults to submit one rental application.

I require all adults, married or not, to submit separate rental applications. In addition, I require all adults to meet all rental criteria individually. Ie, each must meet the minimum income, credit, rental and employment history on their own. That way, if one of them leaves or moves out, I'm confident the one that's left is well qualified.

You obviously don't do that, which is your choice (lots of landlords don't) but you already know this couple is extremely high risk. Keep in mind that the average 20-year old today is about 10 years behind baby boomers in maturity and common sense. So you're effectively considering renting to a couple of teenagers.

I'd pass, in a heartbeat. Insufficient rental history, insufficient full time employment history, insufficient income. Nor would I accept a co-signer.