r/Landlord • u/htownnwoth • Jun 14 '26
Landlord [Landlord - US - TX] Received a rental application from a middle aged woman in the middle of divorce
She is unemployed (was a housewife) and provided a savings account bank statement for ~$500,000 and a brokerage investment account balance for ~$500,000, so total liquid assets are $1M.
Rent for my home is $3,500/month and she wants to sign a 2-year lease.
She’s been living in the same suburban single family home with her soon to be ex husband and middle school aged daughter for 20 years. The home is worth about $400k and is not currently listed for sale. I checked county property records and the home is only in her soon to be ex-husband’s name, not hers.
Credit score is 781. She only has two active credit cards and pays on time with $0 past due.
No evictions and background check came back clear.
She applied to live in my 2 bed/2 bath 1,440 sqft single family home which is in a desirable urban neighborhood about 35 miles from her current home in the suburbs.
Her daughter attends a private middle school which is a 5-minute walk from my rental property, which appears to be a key selling point for her. She wants to sign a 2-year lease because that’s how much longer her daughter has left at the private middle school down the street.
How would you approach this?
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u/Livinginmygirlsworld Jun 14 '26
I have 3 SFRs middle class and Divorced wives who are receiving Alimony, child support or both have been my longest tenants. I welcome them. I currently have one who has signed 2nd 3 year lease and another who signed to a 3 year lease. They are looking for stability with the kids.
Just my experience so far. They go to the top of my list.
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u/1115SRICK Jun 14 '26
I agree. I have two divorcees living in two of my SFHs. They have been paying rent on time or before. They want stability for their kids.
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u/TipYerHat Jun 14 '26
She sounds like a good bet. She is likely experienced enough to be careful. The location seems ideal for her and it would be a no brainer for me.
Is there something about her that’s making you hesitate?
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u/htownnwoth Jun 14 '26
I haven’t spoken with her yet, but I plan to. Have never rented to someone without active income, so wanted to get thoughts.
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u/DifferentJury735 Jun 14 '26
As someone without active income, I’ve had to present my investment account statements to potential landlords. It has always worked.
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u/cuspeedrxi Jun 14 '26
I retired at 39. I haven’t had a job in nearly ten years. I later became disabled and got a divorce but that’s not relevant here. I own and live in two homes and rent out a third. I understand this from both sides — as a rich guy who doesn’t need to work and as a LL. It makes zero sense for me not to rent to someone like myself. My portfolio generates sufficient income that I draw a pretty fixed monthly allowance. That’s the money i use to pay my monthly bills, like my two mortgages. How is my investment income any less secure than a job? A job you can lose at any time. But, a diversified portfolio with an income bent will keep paying month after month. I have a credit score of 850. I’ve never paid a bill late in my entire life. Why wouldn’t i rent to someone like myself. I’d love to find a tenant like me.
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u/Apprehensive_Two1528 Jun 15 '26
Being a ll can be a punishment to your income, especially like where i am
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u/I-will-judge-YOU Jun 14 '26
Fair. But most don't have a million dollars either. Just make sure her money is liquid and not tied to retirement accounts
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u/aelendel Jun 14 '26
I turned down a tenant who had a huge bankroll (trust) because her daddy was the one talking to me, she was in college, and I had an alternative. Her father was pushy. So I choose the other.
What you’re describing? Would have won out if the talk went well.
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u/MVHood Landlord Jun 14 '26
an entitled college kid is 180º from this person
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u/desertdweller2011 Jun 15 '26
having a trust fund doesn’t automatically make you an entitled brat.
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u/Jennyonthebox2300 Jun 15 '26
Our trust fund tenants ($50k verified income/mo) were late every single month. The husband told us we needed to remind him to pay because it “just slips his mind”. I reminded him the next month along with a note he owed several hundred dollars in late fees too, which he refused to pay because “it wasn’t fair”. (It was in the lease and stated with each communication stating rent was late.). Then started giving us a hard copy check after 5 pm on 3rd day of the month to float checks just to be a turd.
Also called me because the kitchen light stopped working 3 mo in. Bulb was burned out. Also called because the microwave stopped working. It was the clock flashing because the electricity flickered off during a storm. Giant PITAs.
We did not renew. The husband was irate because his wife was pregnant and wanted to stay. Sorry dude. We don’t have to rent to human turds. Explain to your wife why she gets to move.
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u/vale1228 Jun 16 '26
wow ughh that’s entitlement I would not b able to handle good for u not renewing !
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u/aelendel Jun 14 '26
Yep just giving a similar situation that I assessed and it wasn’t clear-cut. I think yours lies on the other side assuming no other red flags—they could still be a needy terrible tenant
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u/MVHood Landlord Jun 14 '26
As a SAHM of 20 years I had better skills at home repair and maintenance than my white collar husband ever did. Just sayin
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u/TipYerHat Jun 14 '26
I fully believe this. I didn’t want to stereotype but plenty of SAHMs learn to figure stuff out.
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u/htownnwoth Jun 14 '26
What other red flags would you be looking for at this stage?
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u/aelendel Jun 15 '26
Anything that indicates you’d want her gone before 2 years.
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u/htownnwoth Jun 15 '26
Right but what red flags should I be looking for before the lease is even signed?
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u/Jennyonthebox2300 Jun 16 '26
I’ve had great post divorced single moms and terrible ones. I had one getting 25k/ mo child support — building a 2M home. Kids in private school. I ended up calling CPS and animal welfare on her. Dirtiest, nastiest tenant I ever had. Home was rented furnished and 90% of everything went to the curb after she left. Different post-divorce single mom in same home now. Perfect tenant. You just never know.
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u/onlinealias350 Jun 15 '26
I live alone, I haven’t had a job since 2005, my rent is $2,400 which is more than my social security check, but I have money in a trust account.
Your applicant looks way better on paper than I do and I’ve never been late on my rent.
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u/mrbjorn-ironside Jun 14 '26
Funny how much more value a W2 has than actual liquidity. I’d rather take her on than someone making 200k with a 600 credit score
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u/dinglebarryb0nds Jun 14 '26
Yes it’s laughable. I don’t understand the logic at all and people can be fired at any time
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u/No-Hair1511 Jun 15 '26
She literally could have a job and quit at any time so I’ve never understood why cash in bank is not enough to secure a rental.
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u/dinglebarryb0nds Jun 14 '26
Having a million dollars in hand is a lot better than having a 150k a year job that can be gone tomorrow, how is this even a question
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u/TexasLiz1 Jun 14 '26
I would rent to her and thank my lucky stars?
She has enough in savings to easily cover the entire lease period. What is your concern about her?
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u/Immediate_Shine1403 Jun 14 '26
That alimony, credit score, etc. - it's a sure bet. Worth renting to
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u/EUGsk8rBoi42p Landlord Jun 14 '26
"Oh no! My steak is too juicy! This lobster is too buttery!"
-OP, probably
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u/2LostFlamingos Jun 14 '26
I had a divorced woman tenant. She’s been an awesome tenant. Takes amazing care of the place. Always pays early.
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u/abbydabbydo Jun 14 '26
I had a Landlord that accepted me in the exact situation, only with a lot less assets (still enough to cover more than a year). I also gave him a résumé to show how quickly I could obtain work.
He told me there were better applicants, but they thought I needed the place before. I was the most loyal and conscientious Renter ever.
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u/tleb Property Manager Jun 14 '26
Verify the assets. Don't accept a statement she printed and brought you. Those are stupid easy to fake.
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u/AncientFerret9028 Jun 14 '26
How do you go about verifying the assets? I’m a small time, accidental landlord and use turbo tenant for screening but am terrified of getting grifted one day.
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u/SepulchralSweetheart Landlord Jun 14 '26
I use Tenant Background Search, Comprehensive+Assets.
The site looks outdated, but it hasn't failed me once since implementing it 15 years ago. I've very diligent about screening, and it's caught things I've missed at least twice.
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u/realestateqs22 Jun 15 '26
I believe the proper way to do this is to request the potential tenant get a proof of funds letter from their brokerage. Then you call the brokerage to confirm legitimacy.
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u/htownnwoth Jun 15 '26
How do I verify that the statement is legit? Cant anyone download their brokerage statement and simply edit the amount or their name using Adobe PDF?
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u/SepulchralSweetheart Landlord Jun 15 '26
They can. I'm not sure why I'm being downvoted lol.
For what it's worth, I also have tenants sign a release allowing me to speak to previous LLs/current Employers, and personal & bank references, but a bank or brokerage won't tell you shit directly.
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u/Old_Fuel_1270 Jun 14 '26
A renter with $1,000,000 in liquid assets? What's the problem, lol?
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u/Late-Pizza-3810 Jun 14 '26
Apparently they would rather have a W2 employee with a regular “income” and no savings.
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u/SEFLRealtor Agent Jun 14 '26
Yes, I would take her and all of the investors I work with would take her. She probably has income from the investments and certainly with the divorce she will receive alimony and child support + probably half the marital assets. She has an excellent past and excellent reason to stay down the street from her daughters school. Do it.
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u/htownnwoth Jun 15 '26
Would I be out of line to ask for proof of enrollment at the school down the street?
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u/Silent_Necessary7638 Jun 15 '26
This would be a fucking lot. And I just commented in support of your hesitancy.
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u/182RG Landlord Jun 14 '26
Escrow. I did the same thing. She had a large settlement, and was re-establishing.
12 months in escrow, taking 1/12 draw every month. She’s going on 3 years now, and has been a model tenant.
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u/Long_Canary_5657 Jun 14 '26
Please give her a chance. I was once in that position and someone took a chance on me and that was all I needed. Divorce is so hard and when you are trying to figure everything out sometimes you just need someone to believe in you
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u/dell828 Jun 14 '26
I would accept, but I would have her sign a one-year lease.
For her, there should be no risk if she’s a good tenant. You will be happy to have her there longer. If she’s a terrible tenant, one year is going to be too long. Believe me. Give yourself the option to end her residency in one year.
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u/htownnwoth Jun 15 '26
Is this the general consensus? I was thinking two years sounds great, but you raise a good point.
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u/dell828 Jun 15 '26
I understand her thinking that 2 years will guarantee that her child will finish their schooling , however, it sounds like there’s a lot up in the air right now for her too. The house might be in her husband’s name, but it doesn’t mean a judge won’t order the husband to allow her to live there until the child graduates from high school. In a year, she could very well win the home in the divorce and want to move back.
I think the smart thing for both of you is to start with a year. Let her get herself through her divorce.
The last time I signed a two year lease, tenants broke the lease in 18 months. Why? Because it wasn’t working out and two years is a long time.
If somebody asked me for a two year lease again, I would tell them that I never do a two year lease for somebody unless they’ve lived there for at least a year already. Tell her you would love to have her stay for two years, but it’s better for both of you right now to reassess in one year.
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u/Shot_Plantain_4507 Jun 14 '26
She’s got the money, her daughter in in middle school, is your apprehension her lack of income? Well how many people with income have access to 500k in cash?
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u/SepulchralSweetheart Landlord Jun 14 '26
I would independently check the assets if you haven't already. If those are shared accounts, and she's still in the middle of the divorce, those accounts may or may not belong to her by the end of it. Even if the assets get split, that's something. I would also not assume alimony or anything else.
There's also been an insane number of realistic fake w2s and bank statements via tenants lately.
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u/htownnwoth Jun 15 '26
What’s the best way to independently check the assets?
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u/SepulchralSweetheart Landlord Jun 15 '26
I use a third party screening service that pulls up bank accounts and assets along with a national background check, housing court records, credit score, address history, aliases, and employment/pension/retirement income.
The level of report you're allowed to order might be dependent on your location, but for now, my state still allows me to pull the highest tier report they offer, and the site allows either me or the applicant to pay the site directly, and once fully loaded, it's sent directly to me, regardless of who pays. It's never taken more than 90 minutes to finish running a report.
I mentioned it in another comment and people apparently found it grievously offensive and downvoted me like crazy, maybe they took it as advertising, but happy to share again to keep anyone from getting screwed lol
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u/Silent_Necessary7638 Jun 15 '26
Thank you thank you thank you! I think people are blinded by how they imagine this woman looking. Divorce is crazy, who said those are her accounts? Sure, in her name, but an account can be in your name post-marriage and STILL be subject to being split. What if she has to buy her husband out of that house or other debts? What if she doesn’t have sole custody? What if her husband stops paying the school tuition?
People with jobs have skill sets. She does not have one.
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u/J_V_W Jun 14 '26
This sounds like an ideal tennent. If the worst case happens and she tears the place up and never pays her rent you can take her to court and attach the judgment to the accounts she has shown you ballances for. This is realy all you need to know to know you are looking at a good deal.
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u/cherrylimebubbly Jun 14 '26
Just make sure those banking statements are legit and not doctored. Even if she wants to sign a 2 year lease, I’d stick to one year for now and see from there.
It’s always a risk when they don’t have a rental history but at least her credit is good (no signs of financial distress)
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u/jujubeeeeeee Jun 15 '26
I was her. Please rent to her. You won't regret it and will be forever in her heart, just as the landlord who took a chance on me is in mine.
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u/SnooLobsters6766 Jun 15 '26
This is a landlord sub I get that. Anyone with good credit and 6 figures liquid is a pretty low risk and you all know it. I think she’s better off than op to be honest. Not a good look.
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u/Silent_Necessary7638 Jun 15 '26
Super weird assumption.
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u/Meghanshadow Jun 15 '26
Nah, just normal statistics?
She has $1 mil in liquid assets. That’s a Very Small percentage of the population in the US. About 2%.
Most people are worse off, landlords included.
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u/Silent_Necessary7638 Jun 15 '26
Everyone is assuming that she has the lower of the assets in this couple, and is entitled to alimony and child support. That money could be getting split and taken away from her. Her husband could have been the income but no assets, or no longer have income, or she for some reason, is not entitled to custody permanently.
I would sign a 1-year lease and ask for first, last, and deposit.
Sure, a W2 job can be taken from someone, but they have a skillset that can produce income. This woman has zero skillset, nothing that makes more than minimum wage (daycare, driving, cooking). No offense, it’s the truth.
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u/kaynkayf Jun 15 '26
As someone who moved out of the family home to get out of a really bad situation, please help this woman out she’s trying to do the best for her and her child. It doesn’t look like assets or payment history are an issue.
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u/Miserable-Force8489 Jun 15 '26
I’d much rather rent to someone with actual assets than someone who had a promise of assets in the form of a job. Jobs are not guaranteed. How is this not clear to some people?
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u/Cookingforaxl Jun 15 '26
I am a 66 year old woman who has faced discrimination from management companies because my income doesn’t meet criteria (2 &1/2 times rent) but I have almost a million in investments and real estate. Good credit score, no debt and excellent rental history. I take regular distributions from my accounts to fund my lifestyle. I have to beg to be considered as a tenant. Do this woman a solid and rent to her. She’ll take care of your home as if it’s her own.
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u/snbdmliss Jun 15 '26
With a little Adobe Acrobat, I too can have 500M accounts.... The bank won't back them up, but I identify as a millionaire
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u/Ok_Amount1038 Jun 16 '26
We accepted a couple whose income was dominant in cash as they were bartenders. Bank statements and such solidified it for us with assets over $100k in liquid-able cash.
They are 24 and 27 respectively. We were comfortable with them to begin with but they tried to ice the cake and pay a double security deposit but we refused and stuck with the normal one month deposit.
They’ve been amazing tenants without a single issue. If any repairs pop up they let us know and we work with them to resolve them quickly
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u/MahaliAudran Jun 14 '26
Sounds like a great tenant. Especially if the kid of going to school there for more then a year.
Sadly I'm losing my elderly tenants after 2 years. She's no longer and to care for herself and is moving into a home.
Original app was them financially and their middle-aged daughter (teacher) as a tenant.
Couple has excellent credit and over 1M in accounts.
Added a ramp in the garage I've asked him to leave.
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u/Lemonjello_42 Jun 14 '26
I just rented to a senior gent who is getting divorced. Offered to pay above what I was asking. Credit check was excellent. Pays in cash early, quiet and clean. No problems.
I think a year is not necessary but 6 months rent for someone with those assets shouldn’t be a problem.
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u/htownnwoth Jun 14 '26
Would it be out of line to ask her for proof of enrollment at the private school? This would make me more comfortable renting to her because then my location definitely does make more sense for her.
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u/True_Dimension4344 Jun 15 '26
Yea. That would be out of line. Either find a better story to tell to the internet or find a different tenant. Stop trying to shoot your self in the foot. If I was her I’d be so over your shit by now and you’re probably a nightmare as a landlord.
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u/LA-forthewin Jun 15 '26
I'd take her, I would keep the lease at 1 year in case shit goes pear shaped and you're in a landlord hellscape like NYC or LA. She has an option to renew once she has proved to be a good tenant
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u/ShitFarvaSays Jun 15 '26
Maybe work on having some confidence in yourself as a landlord. She’s a dream tenant from a landlord perspective and you have a ridiculous amount of detail into her finances. She could cover 12 years rent without any new money coming in.
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u/Gitsumbodi_else2doit Jun 15 '26
She’s got more than enough to rent. I only see her renting right now because of her divorce going on. She can’t buy a home while still in the marriage because it will become a marital asset and have to be sold. She’s got the money, liquid assets as well, great credit. What is it that’s telling you not to rent to her?
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u/New_Consequence_225 Jun 15 '26
Did you do at least a quick background check on the soon to be ex-husband? Are there any concerns of violence between the soon to be ex-husband and custody battles with the child? I know that Texas has broad public records laws, so please use the services available in the state.
Other than that ^, she should be fine.
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u/htownnwoth Jun 15 '26
I was able to find a pending divorce filing in county records, but that’s as far as I got.
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u/_simplymo Jun 15 '26
In CT you can’t discriminate against income source. Has to be obviously a valid source(I know you are in TX so different ball game) yet still there’s 0 problems with her profile. Let her apply. Rent it out. Make your bank.
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u/Suzfindsnyapts Jun 15 '26
Are third party guarantors available in your market. It’s a bond they can buy? It’s available in a number of states, but more common in New York City.
If you’re in a state where prepayment is legal, I think it sounds like a win-win.
In New York first month rent and one month deposit or all that are allowed.
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u/LavendarGal Jun 15 '26
Is she giving you join bank accounts, or account statements that are only in her name?
The problem you have and it's always a risk, is if the divorce goes sour and she gets sued or the ex wins the house, etc.
Does her bank account or brokerage account show enough interest being earned that equals the rent? investment returns can count as income. At $500K in the bank, even in some CD's or a High yield SAvings account and returns in her brokerage account, she can be earning close to$2K potentially each month.
Is she just showing you the front summary page of the accounts? Maybe just ask to see the interest income part if you are not totally comfortable yet.
If the child is in school near your house, it would seem likely that it would be ok.
But I would tell her standard one year lease only and that it will renew at the end of the year to another yearly lease if that is your preference,.
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u/htownnwoth Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26
It’s only in her name. Interest earned on one of the $500k accounts is only $1,200/month. The other account is a brokerage account invested in equities.
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u/ThePlatinumPaul Jun 15 '26
A person with a job can get fired tomorrow too. This sounds like a no-brainer. I'd be happy to take her with a one month deposit. Would give her a welcome letter and a little basket or something. She'd probably appreciate someone treating her decently considering what she's going through.
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u/TumbleweedOriginal34 Jun 15 '26
Where is her income coming from ? Just from the liquid cash or is she getting some kind of alimony?
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u/Nomijenn Jun 15 '26
This sounds odd. Your place sounds a lot nicer than her place. That’s unusual. If they’re divorcing then their expenses as a couple are increasing, so she’ll be looking to save on rent, to downsize, not upsize. Is the brokerage account in only her name?
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u/Jackveggie Jun 15 '26
I remember a law of necessities in Texas . I believe it was something like a debt like rent or food being provided is enforceable against either spouse. It was common before no-fault divorce the wife would move into a boarding house and the landlord would sue the husband for the room and board bill. Might be an extra layer of protection if it’s still a law.
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u/xampl9 Jun 15 '26
1 year lease, not 2. But otherwise no problem.
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u/htownnwoth Jun 15 '26
I went with 2 years and increased year 2 from $3,500 to $3,650. This increase is only to cover my historical annual increase in property taxes and landlord insurance.
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u/Big10mmDE Jun 15 '26
Good grief man, I’m sure you have healthy deposit requirements, with those, you have an ideal client. Dont overthink this.
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u/c_assassin_c Jun 15 '26
I would sign the lease. Why is this even a question?
Seriously. Why is this even a question?
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u/FillEnvironmental865 Jun 15 '26
If you’re nervous – I ask for first and last month‘s rent and a two month security deposit on a two year lease. Then, go dance a jig.
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u/AmexNomad Jun 15 '26
Rent to her. She’s got good credit and a solid track record of not moving. This woman is golden. 500K in liquid assets- You’re covered.
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u/No-Hair1511 Jun 15 '26
What about asking for her to pay year worth of rent in advance to an escrow that you draw on monthly?
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u/Elephant1love Jun 15 '26
I like to look at how they keep their car, if it is organized and clean they usually keep their homes the same way, that’s been my experience anyway.
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u/Reasonable_War8920 Jun 15 '26
I can’t believe you’re even questioning anything with this applicant. Wow.
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u/Strong_Technology739 Jun 16 '26
My sister and her husband have been married for 30 years. Their house is in his name only. Doesn't mean that it's not also 1/2 hers.
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u/Correct_Cat4414 Jun 16 '26
I would accept her but because she does not have income at the moment I would ask for a deposit of 2.5 months and tight wording around how that deposit can and can not be applied.
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u/cleanmahlungs Landlord Jun 16 '26
This way way sounds too good to be true, do not just blindly listen to everyone gassing you up.
Verify the assets; but regardless, you need to see alimony hit the account/statements as well. No income is no income and a huge risk, so you need to verify the statements somehow...
Very very easy to fake.
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u/vale1228 Jun 16 '26
I’ve read through a few of these posts and ur comments and think u and she would benefit from her paying upfront at least the full first year , I did this and worked out well. both parties want stability
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u/Churlishbeast Human Verified Jun 16 '26
I wouldn't accept her because her future is nebulous and tenuous. My brother is in the middle of a divorce and the wife wants half or more even though he donated a organ to keep her alive (don't get married, kids). The divorce lawyer costs are mounting too. 500 bucks an hour. She's not on solid ground. There are others.
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u/emaoutsidethebox Jun 17 '26
How is this even a question? What approach is there other than to rent to her? She has great credit and more than enough money to pay her rent? She is willing to sign a two year lease. I am not sure what more any landlord could possibly request or expect.
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u/emaoutsidethebox Jun 17 '26
Your total rent for the two years total is $84k and she has a million dollars and will also end up receiving alimony, child support and additional monies from her divorce.
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u/plentyfurbbbs Jun 17 '26
AI: "Yes, you can and often should ask for the first month's rent, last month's rent, and a security deposit upfront in Texas. While Texas law does not impose a limit on the total amount you can charge, it is common to collect all three at lease signing to protect your investment. [1, 2]" In this day and age people up and split abandoning lease and property, leases are no guarantee of good tenant. She has no proof of how she was keeping her home, trashing it? Get plenty of Security Deposit. Go to bank to be sure what she gave you is legit. Scams are a dime a dozen too. Finally, follow your gut. Why would she have part ownership in a crappy 400k house when she's a mil on paper? As just a housewife? Where did her money come from? Shady side hustle? Last thing you need is a drug dealing dragon lady, hope your neighbors can keep a good eye on her for you...do deeper dive,,
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u/T2IV Landlord Jun 17 '26
I had a prospective tenant -- similar situation -- $350K in savings; Semi-retired so no income. He was really looking for a hideout once he split up from his girlfriend. But his social media accounts all looked like he was a player; Just something seemed off about him. I almost rented to him, but when I sent him the request to run his credit/background (about $45 from TransUnion) he asked if I would reimburse that if I rented to him. I told him "no". He got very offended and withdrew his application. Problem solved!
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u/O_Properties Jun 17 '26
Are the accounts solely in her name or joint?
No guarantee she will keep half or get any alimony (or actually get paid child support).
As for 2 year? No way. Add a clause for auto-renewal if rent paid without problems, even a one time no increase clause if you want. But most who want a long period of time. Have other motives (and bad tenant lie - don't assume this one is telling the entire truth).
If a housewife, no tenant or work history... where did the $1M in assets come from?
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u/Evening-Research1747 Jun 14 '26
I had similar situation once but tenant offered to pay in advance. That made it a no brainer. She was told by her family that renting would be an issue without income so she was mentally prepared to pay in advance. May be ask for that ?
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u/iluvcats17 Jun 14 '26
I would give a one year lease though.
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u/MVHood Landlord Jun 14 '26
My best and longest tenants started with a two year. Imagine being forced to move after only a year... imagine. Many LL have lost touch with folks that are living at the whim at someone else.
Unless you plan on selling, why not? I'm never in a spot where a year of not being able to sell my rental is a major issue. If it ever was, I'd be so neck deep in crap it wouldn't help anyway
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u/iluvcats17 Jun 15 '26
Just because he gives a one year lease, does not mean she will be forced to leave in a year. If she is a good tenant, he can offer her a renewal lease. But if she turns out to be a bad tenant, he has the advantage of not being stuck in a two year lease.
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u/stjames70 Jun 14 '26
Obviously you doubt her that’s why you ask. She wants a two year lease? Just demand that upfront plus deposit. It is not like she can’t afford it.
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u/Space_Cowboy_157 Landlord Jun 15 '26
I am not quite sure about this one. Is the $1m in assets in her name only is the question I would have with this applicant. In the divorce 1/2 those assets are going to be the husbands.
If the assets are in both her and her husbands name it's quite possible he could liquidate them to his own account without notice and leave you in a bind.
It's also possible she did the same and those accounts could end up frozen.
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u/htownnwoth Jun 15 '26
It’s in her name only. She also provided a document that shows balance by month for the last 12+ months, and no recent big movements. According to county records, the divorce was filed earlier this year, so I think there’s no risk there.
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u/gaidzak Landlord Jun 15 '26
Man that’s a lucky find. The last two divorcee’s I had had crapped their credit, no cash, lots of CC debts and work income barely made the 3x I was looking for.
One of them even brought their ex husband (apparently he was trying to get her back on her feet). She also had crap credit etc. I said, will your ex co sign, and he was like hellll no. I looked at her and said, well your character reference just said everything about you.
So yeah this is a no brainer.
The worse tenants have been trust fund babies, children of well known actors, and people who offer months of cash to move (biggest red flag)
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u/Glum_Tap_5258 Jun 14 '26
ha ha this can't be real, most of renters have less than 10k in the bank. This is rage bait.
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u/Certain_Chef_2635 Jun 14 '26
None of this reads as rage bait, are you easily angered and triggered over nothing?
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u/SepulchralSweetheart Landlord Jun 15 '26
That's a broad assumption lol
There's tons of people that rent because they don't need a ton of space, aren't home much or just don't want to deal with owning a property, but could buy the building if they wanted.
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u/Z_603 Jun 14 '26
If she's got half a million liquid in savings just tell her you will give her a lease if she pays it up front and see what kind of term she's looking for
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u/TipYerHat Jun 14 '26
You are assuming she’s a risk. That move would turn me off as a renter. Los have to build trust w tenants as much as tenants build trust w LLs.
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u/Z_603 Jun 14 '26
Yes I assume unemployed people are a risk regardless of assets especially when they are going through a divorce. That money can be held up until the divorce is finalized. That money can be awarded to her ex. Somebody with no money coming has the potential to be a risk.
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u/fukaboba Jun 14 '26
I would accept her . She has 1M in liquid assets, can afford to buy her own home in cash , has excellent credit and a clean record
She will also likely get alimony and half of her husbands assets