What tenant would you rather rent to?

[burnin_vernon]

Tenant A is 34, recently divorced, with 2 kids and 2 dogs. It seems the split was amicable and my house is somewhat close to the ex's so this makes it easy for everyone to see each other.

Tenant B is 23, with a cat and a boyfriend. She just graduated nursing and this is her first time living on her own.

Everyone involved has good paying jobs and both seem to be very nice, respectful people. I'm not crazy about "A's" dogs, and extra people (utilities, etc) but she may be more stable. "B" is a bit of a wild card with it being her first place.

[photon]

Have had too many big problems with pets, if you do accept them, then PLEASE let your tenant know that you do quarterly inspections (to see if there's anything that needs to be done or whatever) and actually follow through with them. A pet can do a lot of damage in a short period.

I've even had tenants that were great for quite a while all of a sudden change and their cat wrecked the living room carpet... I'd stopped doing inspections because they'd been so reliable. Carpet was already close to replacing so not a huge deal but could have easily been new carpet (well I almost never put carpet in a place but you know what I mean).

But my actual advice would be to never take pets.

[DoubleF]

I'd choose A because she seems stable and more long term. Ex is close by, might be the one to do the repairs and less bothering to you? If you're worried about utilities, ask her to conserve if possible. If it's not set, maybe ask that A be in charge of any clean up relating to her dogs?

B is 23. Not going to go into detail, but many 23 year olds who live on their own love to leave ALL lights on 24/7. Probably won't find too much of a difference in utilities. 23 year olds are also of 2 types when it comes to repairs. 1) Ignore until it's a bigger issue, or 2) Calls for everything

I think both are close, but A would be my choice only because she seems like she would stay longer (longer term tenants are usually less hassle). B might pick up and leave after a year or two and you start over again looking for tenants. I feel that the extra kids and dogs of A would not be an issue because of perceived maturity in taking care of a place. Kids on their own for the first time is quite the dice roll. I feel like if you determined the utilities used was a little high, once in a while you could potentially ask A to conserve a little (optional of course). B is potentially, "Not my problem, I don't pay for it anyways".

[boogerz]

Tenant B shouldn't even be an option. First-time renter with a pet sounds like a huge headache

[Table 5]

I'd wait it out for Tenant C.

[puckluck2]

Would definitely not rent to A and B isn't a great choice either but I'd rather B. A cat > 2 dogs 2 kids

[calgarywinning]

Tenant B. Nurses are usually conscientious of other people.

[btimbit]

B over A, I'd wait for C

[DoubleF]

Lol... I didn't think of a "C". I concur, there must be a better option out there.

[Luder]

Since it's the internet, I have to ask...which one is hotter?

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Luder

Since it's the internet, I have to ask...which one is hotter?

I would certainly rent to B, especially if she is hot.

I've actually only rented my place to younger folks under 25 and have never had any issues but maybe I have been lucky in the past.

[strombad]

In my experience, people in the 35 range and over are more set in their ways, so if there's a problem it's a lot more difficult to change or address properly. Plus, two dogs and two kids is going to put a heck of a strain on that place, a lot more wear and tear.

B.
Far less potential problems, and if it's a place she likes (being her first place) she'll likely really respect it.

[Coach]

I would say say B. Rather live with a cat than kids. And it also gives you more freedom/less bad feelings if you ever need to boot them.

[calf]

On A - if you're worried about extra utitlities, why not make them pay it themselves? Reduces your risk if they happen to leave the lights on all the time.

On B - my first time renting out a condo was to a new grad and this was basically her first place. She had no clue about looking after herself/living in a rented apartment. I was in the same boat as photon where things were good the first few inspections, but towards the end the true colours shined through. She never cleaned, did some un-approved renos, and tried to break the lease several months early (your B is 23 and it's her boyfriend...at that age and in a new situation, their circumstances can change pretty quickly).

I'd say C, then A.

[DownhillGoat]

Is this a rental property? Or basement suite? (I'm assuming rental property)

If it's a rental property I'd go with B, or wait for C. If it's shared (ie renting out the basement), I'd definitely wait for C. I love pets, but only when they're mine. Two dogs can do a lot of damage.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by calf

On A - if you're worried about extra utitlities, why not make them pay it themselves? Reduces your risk if they happen to leave the lights on all the time.

I don't see the advantage to you to have utilities included in the rent. I know years ago when there was a lot of rentals out there it was advantageous to be able to offer a fixed price; but now given how tight the market is I don't see why you would have to. Maybe you make a few bucks each month, or maybe they eventually drain money from you. Then the worst case, I believe if they do something like start a grow-op; if your name is on the utilities Enmax can go after you for the theft of power.

Having recently been looking for a place to rent; and a place that accepts dogs- I can honestly tell you that it's only about 10-20% of the places out there that allow them. So don't be shy about putting ground rules in place. I quite happily paid an extra non-refundable pet "application fee", as well as an extra $100 per month in rent for having the dog. The next closest option for me was an extra $500 per month.

[rd_aaron]

The rental market is pretty tight right now. Wait for C.

Otherwise, I'd go with B. B likely has more incentive to be a better tenant because this is their first place and they'll need a good reference when they move on. Also, they have 3 less living things (maybe 2 if the BF is there all the time) in the house that could potentially damage your investment. Where did B live before? Parents house while she went to university?

[Boblobla]

Will 'B' be living with her boyfriend? If so, what happens if they break up? Can 'B' afford the place on her own? At least you know 'A' won't have half her rent money potentially leaving...

[FlamesAddiction]

Neither option is great.

Two kids and 2 dogs? Expect a lot of poop, pee and barf smells/stains, and just general destruction.

Young first time renter, despite being a nurse, sounds like trouble. I remember my wife's friend was a young nurse and was a huge partier at that age.

[Igster]

Originally Posted by photon

But my actual advice would be to never take pets.

Not all people with pets cause destruction and are a problem. My wife and I rent and have a cat and a dog. We are respectful of others and are pets are well trained.

People with pets need places to live too ya' know.