Child Support
any broad generalizations on single mothers who work and collect child support. I've got a girl I like - her credit is okay - stable job - $900 a month child support. So, even though she 'doesn't know why', I make her go get a copy of the child support records showing not just that there is an order, but that the support is paid timely - it is. She doesn't make enough on her own to live & pay rent without the support. Any stories to tell me?
suekostalas
Not everything in life should be based on the numbers.....
If you've been able to prove that it's been paid then that should suffice. That's all a mortgage co requires
Hey,
I am floored you actually wrote "I've got a girl I like..." when referring to a possible tenant. Unless she is 12 years old, those kind of comments are going to get you in court.
The law varies slightly state to state, but my guess is you are REQUIRED to include the child support as income. Stories are unimportant here, the law is all that matters.
foggybottom, I don't understand what you mean - my job as a landlord is to make money, not cure the ills of someone's failed marriage and help her get on with her life, that's her family's job. Perhaps I didn't udnerstand what you meant.
as to my 'girl I like' - maybe I phrased that wrong. I don't 'like' her, I don't know her. She was personable enough the 2 times I met her. I 'like' her application. I like that she has had the same job for 3 years. I like that she doesn't have a car loan and that she has very little credit card debt (looks like a lot of America, balances go way up in November) but she appears to pay them down. I like that she looked at the door locks. I like that she straightened the runner in the front hallway without thinking. I like that it appears her exhusband has steady employment because in 3 years his child support was only late 2 times and it appears to be only for 2 weeks both those times.
I was asking for stories because on paper she seems okay but I thought perhaps someone had a real life experience that I hadn't even considered when someone's rent is going to be basically dependent upon someone else.
Is it a recent divorce? Why do I ask? In my experience, child support seems to dry up pretty quickly. I generally don't give much weight to child support income. Most of my tenants don't even put it on the app since they haven't received any in ages. Depending on the rental market, I would be hesitant.
I rent to a lot of people that do not really have an income that can not be verified such as flea marketers, freelance workers, mystery shoppers and the list goes on. Short of income tax returns.
I normally use several qualifiers such as:
Meeting them at their current resident.
(I like to see the current residence in an effort to determine how they keep up their home)
Walking them to their car.
(I like to see how well they keep up the interior of their car)
Verifying their references.
Hey,
I think I am not being clear enough here..you do NOT get an option on the child support...if she included it as part of her income (and can provide proof) you MUST use it as income in your calculation. A story of somone having a good experience or a bad experience is of no importance...if you do not include it, you can be sued for discrimination (based on source of income and possibly marital status).
My commment on your terms was in reference to the word "girl" to describe a woman. This is generaly viewed as an offensive term and can also be used against you for sexual discrimination and even sexual harassment .
Bruce,
Definition of sexual discrimination - Discrimination that excludes one sex (usually women) to the benefit of the other sex
Definition of sexual harassment - A form of sex discrimination that involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Any form of sexual attention that is unwelcome Discrimination. The mental or emotional harm of one individual by another individual in the same company. A form of discrimination that is broadly interpreted to include sexually suggestive remarks, unwanted touching, any physical or verbal act that indicates sexual advances or requests sexual favors, a promise of rewards or hidden threats by a supervisor to induce emotional attachment by a subordinate, and a "hostile environment" based on sex.
This is a learning forum and your last post breaches upon argumentative.
Suekostalas,
Truly a tenant would be hard pressed to claim sexual discrimination or sexual harassment by calling them a girl.
It may not be proper use but considering you are women as well one would be hard pressed to claim sexual discrimination or sexual harassment.
You as a landlord should insure that a tenet can afford to pay the rent without problems!
I would suggest going to http://members.aol.com/StatutesPA/68.Cp.8.html for more information as a landlord in your state.
Hey John,
I am not sure what you think argumentative about my posts, but if it is that I do not agree with calling someone "girl" then I guess you are correct.
Harassment and Discrimination do not care about the sex of either individuals. Harassment can be contrued by OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE...the term "girl" falls under that category.
thanks everyone. Sorry to cause such a stir. I don't think I ever would call someone a 'girl' (or 'boy' for that matter) to their face, it's just a term used in my area. My 93 year old grandmother goes out with 'the girls' once a month. At my last settlement, the man I purchased the house from actually called me 'girllie'. I just chuckled to myself and my lawyer just shook his head . Of course, this is the same man that usually calls me Suzy Darlin'. I think it's all in the tone and in this case an older, wealthy man used to saying and doing whatever he wants. but you're right, without knowing these people I guess I'll try to pay attention to myself and join the new world being pc.
but no matter, this young woman didn't show up with her deposit. she said it will now be next week. I told her I was offering the property to someone else if she didn't show up in the required 48 hours so we shall see.