I'm so tired of hearing "We Just Need A Chance"

Has anyone ever had a positive experience with someone basically begging for a chance?

Two buildings over, in the back yard, lived that buildings handyman. He had a camper on top of his pick up truck. He had lived there over 4 years before I purchased my building, an 8 unit. He got to park and live there in exchange for handyman services (free labor).

He kept on asking me for a chance by working on my building. So after getting to know him I gave him some small jobs at my property and even lent him a mig wire welder (no gas, flux core).

So suddenly he was no longer there. Gone without returning my $400 welder. And, the wall mounted kitchen faucet that he fixed, began leaking. So I took it apart and noticed he put in the wrong faucet seat. Instead of using a 1/2" x 20 threads he put in a 1/2" x 28 treads, stripping out the faucet threads.

Just the other day...single guy with dog. Non-neutered so I reject him. Somehow I missed it and he inquires again with a neutered dog and I set up an appointment. Nice enough guy.

After meeting with him (and renting to someone else) he emailed me, begging for a place, saying he was going to be homeless soon as his rental was sold (this is happening everywhere here, I believe him on that.) I asked about his dog, he said he had it neutered. Could be but didn't have a place for him.

Now I do. So I called his vet, who said she couldn't reveal details unless he gave permission, but she did say her notes said it was a good dog with no issues. So she could reveal that but not the other. Does HIPPA apply to animals?? Anyway he called me and said he was having the procedure on Friday...

Just remember how to finish that sentence......

I just need a chance..... "to screw you over."

Just need a chance, yet again. We've used up our chances, over and over, and want to have another chance so we can keep on doing what we do, over and over.

I have, very rarely, taken an applicant with a glitch in their screening, but only if everything else looks OK and I feel confident that they will pay the rent.

But those people never beg for a second chance. They just present their case truthfully (as far as I can verify it) and present their plan on how they are going to pay the rent.

Unqualified Applicant / Deadbeat: "I just need a chance".

Sid: "Here's the address of the closets casino. They specialize in giving people chances."

To directly answer the question: No, I have never had a good result just giving people chances. You have to recall, this is not just their 2nd chance. When someone gets to the point that they've been evicted and/or convicted for felony crimes, they've had and blown dozens if not hundreds of chances throughout their lives. I don't know of anyone who gets evicted or convicted of a serious crime out of the blue in their otherwise model life. Usually, it's a pattern of behaviors that began early in life. Getting in trouble at school. Not paying bills. Bouncing from job to job. On their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or sometimes 5th marriage...or boy/girlfriend hopping every 6 months or so. Their life is like a country song, full of sad stories and "done me wrongs."

You know what kind of people I would give 'a 2nd chance' to? The kind who say, "Yes, I had this eviction 5 years ago, but since then my record is squeaky clean. Here's a notarized copy of the judgment satisfaction that's on file down at the courthouse. I've also been at my current job at XYZ Local Corp for the past 3 years and have worked my way up to shift supervisor and I make 5x the monthly rent. This is my boss's number at work and he will be happy to answer any questions you have. This information is from my past land lord, who rented to me for 4 years. Feel welcome to contact them. Btw, here's first and last month's rent plus a double security deposit, along with all my bank information so you can set up automatic drafts. I hope you'll consider me."

THAT person, yes...I will give them a chance in spite of what happened 5 years ago. But...I've never had someone do this.

Actually - yes.

If you can show me that you have been employed for the last 2 years in the same job.

If you have the full amount of move in funds ready to go up front.

If you paid off the previous property owner you rented from.

If you've kept your nose clean for the last 5 - 10 years with no arrests, nothing but maybe a speading tix.

So, basically, if you show me you probably grew up, I might give you a chance. You need a bank account that my service can auto-debit your rent from, as well.

I'll consider your situation if you can meet those requirements, IF no one else is applying and you are looking at one of my older units that I don't want to sink $$ into right now. :)

I did about a year or so ago. Honestly, they were a great tenant. Came with everything filled out, He was honest and upfront about everything. He made 4 times the rent alone, she made 3.

I knew his employer and knew that he had continued employment. They stayed the full year and then I allowed them to sign a 3 month lease as they were looking to buy a house. Found one, paid the fees to move out and took care of the fees I charged them (carpet cleaning and such).

Hands down... I would again if they came back to rent.

I know it doesn't happen all the time... and I'm thankful that I didn't get burned, but he was true to all of his word and more.

The only people I give "chances" to, are highly garnishable!

Some of the "highly garnishable" folks have worked out, either paid...or garnished later with late fees and interest, so it was worth it.

What sickens me is hearing “have a blessed day”.

What sickens me is hearing “have a blessed day”.

What sickens me is hearing “have a blessed day”.

Last one I "gave a chance" to was an older (in his 50's) man who has spent the last few years in a "transitional" housing situation through our local prison program. He was allowed to work during the day but had to return to his program (locked in at night) each evening.

He as not allowed to drive but could walk or ride a bike to work. Worked as a handyman at one of our hotels and each day (7 days a week) rode a one speed bike to work about 7 miles (one way).

Was ready for parole with continued monitoring but needed housing. His supervisors at work thought so highly of him that they provided him with furniture and cooking utensils since he had none of this. Did well for a while; paid his rent on time but started to fall back when he got himself a new girlfriend. Things went to heck when they went to barbecue and one guy hit on her and my tenant pulled a knife on him. He's back in prison for violating his parole.

As with many asking for "a chance" when they are in a tightly controlled environment they do OK. Left on their own there's sometimes a tendency to slip back into old habits.