Would someone on a "fixed income" be able to pass a credit check normally?

[violas]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida. I am trying to rent out a room. I heard from a lady on a "fixed income." I asked her if she would be able to pass a credit check. She said "No, I would not be able to pass a credit check". Is this true? She acted like the only reason she would flunk the credit check would be because she is on a "fixed income." I am thinking that there are some people on a "fixed income" who would still be able to pass a credit check. Is she hiding something? What do you think?

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida. I am trying to rent out a room. I heard from a lady on a "fixed income." I asked her if she would be able to pass a credit check. She said "No, I would not be able to pass a credit check". Is this true? She acted like the only reason she would flunk the credit check would be because she is on a "fixed income." I am thinking that there are some people on a "fixed income" who would still be able to pass a credit check. Is she hiding something? What do you think?

Your question is a bit vague. I've heard of people with "fixed incomes" in the 6-figure range...

Simply being on fixed income does not drive down a credit score.

 

[sandyclaus]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida. I am trying to rent out a room. I heard from a lady on a "fixed income." I asked her if she would be able to pass a credit check. She said "No, I would not be able to pass a credit check". Is this true? She acted like the only reason she would flunk the credit check would be because she is on a "fixed income." I am thinking that there are some people on a "fixed income" who would still be able to pass a credit check. Is she hiding something? What do you think?

I think that one's credit has little to do with them being on a fixed income. That kind of statement would be the same as saying that all low-income people are bad credit risks, or that all rich people have great credit. Definitely NOT TRUE. Passing or not passing a credit check has to do with how one manages the money they have. People who are low income or on a fixed income may well flunk a credit check, but only because they have not learned to live within their means or they failed to pay the bills they incur.

I actually hear about a lot of very well-to-do people who have really lousy credit because, despite having tons of money, they just don't have good payment habits. I also know of a lot of people on fixed incomes who know their limits and have excellent credit histories because they have learned to manage what they have very well.

 

[violas]

Yes she acted like the only reason

she could not pass a credit check would be because she was on a "fixed income." It just didn't sound right to me. I am thinking that she must have had other financial problems besides just being on a "fixed income."

 

[Antigone*]

she could not pass a credit check would be because she was on a "fixed income." It just didn't sound right to me. I am thinking that she must have had other financial problems besides just being on a "fixed income."

Please know that credit cannot be denied merely because of the sources of one's income. This person can't pass a credit check because she had bad credit.

 

[Zigner]

she could not pass a credit check would be because she was on a "fixed income." It just didn't sound right to me. I am thinking that she must have had other financial problems besides just being on a "fixed income."

It does make sense, logically - when one is on a fixed income and spends beyond their means, they will likely have bad credit. If one had much more money than their fixed income provides, then they wouldn't be spending beyond their means. Thus, it's their "fixed income" that causes the bad credit!

 

[jiggy78]

The credit scoring system doesn't consider your income. It doesn't even know your income.

How could she know if she would or wouldn't pass without knowing what your criteria are?

Do you really want somebody who doesn't pay their bills to rent from you?

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

Generally landlords consider two things related to this subject, your credit score, which is a reflection of how you manage your debt and your income, which establishes how much you can afford to pay. Having minimums for both is legal, as long as applied across the board, without illegal discriminatory practice.

 

[Ohiogal]

OP's posting history matters -- thought violas was buying a house? Or having a relative buy a house for violas? Or something of that nature. Now questions about being able to rent a room.

 

[Zigner]

OP's posting history matters -- thought violas was buying a house? Or having a relative buy a house for violas? Or something of that nature. Now questions about being able to rent a room.

Psstt-

Rent out a room. As in, Violas is trying to become a landlord.

 

[Antigone*]

Psstt-

Rent out a room. As in, Violas is trying to become a landlord.

I can so totally see how this is going to end up if Violas does become a landlord. Violas will keep us in business.

 

[violas]

No Violas will not keep you in business

I can so totally see how this is going to end up if Violas does become a landlord. Violas will keep us in business.

because violas will not rent out a room to anyone who cannot pass a credit check.

 

[Antigone*]

because violas will not rent out a room to anyone who cannot pass a credit check.

Glad to hear that violas!

 

[ecmst12]

That's a really dumb question anyway. Don't ask the applicant if they can pass a credit check. RUN A CREDIT CHECK YOURSELF!!

 

[Antigone*]

That's a really dumb question anyway. Don't ask the applicant if they can pass a credit check. RUN A CREDIT CHECK YOURSELF!!

I was hoping that violas would do just that.