I have a multi that's in an area that's in transition. This has typically been a C class rental area however, it's near a university. A block north of the area is a very ritzy area that's been revitalized. A block west of me is a bunch of student housing mixed in among C class multis and single families. Someone bought about 5 houses in a row and converted them to student rentals. My block has been somewhat resistant to change and is basically a block of storefronts with apartments above. All of the storefronts are filled with businesses like small restaurants, barber shops, beauty shops, convenience stores and etc. that cater to the locals. The rental prospects I normally get are C class tenants. The college kids and others associated with the college typically don't rent on my block.

Yesterday a guy calls me who just got an appointment as a research associate who wants to live close to the university. He's from India, says he's going to get paid $ 70,000 a year and if I find that everything checks out, he wants to rent immediately. He says he doesn't have an SSN yet but will have one in a couple of weeks. I tell him to bring his letter of appointment and his work visa with him. Obviously, I'm a tad suspicious and without the SSN or history here in the US, I can check nothing, so his application hinges solely on his job and position with the college. Thoughts please?

Also, on the off chance that he checks out, I'm afraid of a short term stay. He's unfamiliar with the area being new and I'm sure that once he settles in at the college, someone will tell him to move to a "better block". I normally do m2m only and I'd hate to do a m2m and have this guy move on me in 3-4 months. I guess I should lock him in with a lease and an ELT. Thoughts?

David[MI] has a very strong point. Especially as the guy is "fresh of the boat" so his cooking methods may be alien to you....and to the others in the building.

GKARL,

I don't understand why you are concerned about a solid resident coming into your building.

Transition happens one unit or building at a time, usually by people who don't mind the "un-transitioned" surroundings. Which attracts more, leading to transition.

Get a Letter of Intent to Employ. Standard practice among profession jobs.

And true, Indian cooking could push away your exisiting residents. It does here.

BRAD

Get offer letter and copy of visa. If those are supplied, probably fine. SSN will be issued at request of university and likely have stipulations on where he can work

Go to the Sec of State website. His story-- that he will shortly be receiving his SNN -- is 100% accurate. According to the US government, persons with work visas apply for their SSNs while still in their home countries. When they enter the US, they notify the Social Security Admin and receive their SSNs within 3 weeks.

These are the kinds of immigrants our country wants and needs. Intelligent people with good job skills, who follow our laws and pay taxes.

I would rent to him. He would probably be a good source of other university associated tenants.

Just ask for a copy of his I-9 form from his employer.