Before handing someone the keys to a $5K, $10K, or $20K+ asset, know who you’re putting behind the wheel. When reviewing potential renters, these are criminal-history red flags that deserve serious attention: 1. Fraud / Identity Theft 💳 Why it’s a concern: Your rental business depends on accurate identification, payment information, contracts, and insurance documentation. A relevant fraud history can indicate increased risk around false information, disputed payments, or documentation. 2. Aggravated Assault / Serious Violent Offenses ⚠️ Why it’s a concern: You’re operating a business where disagreements can happen over late payments, repossessions, damages, deposits, and vehicle recovery. Serious recent violent convictions should be evaluated carefully from a safety and risk-management standpoint. 3. Serious Drug Offenses — especially trafficking/manufacturing 🚨 Why it’s a concern: You don’t want your vehicle potentially exposed to illegal activity, police seizure/impoundment, contamination, damage, or other unnecessary liability. OTHER RED FLAGS I CHECK FOR: - Vehicle theft / grand theft auto - Repeated DUI or reckless-driving convictions - Multiple recent theft convictions - Forgery / identity theft - Serious recent violent offenses - Criminal activity directly involving vehicles The lesson for my mentees: Don’t get so excited about collecting $300–$400 a week that you ignore who you’re giving your asset to. A bad renter can cost you more in one week than a good renter makes you in three months. Have a written screening policy. Apply it consistently. Verify their license, identity, income/employment, driving history, insurance requirements, and background information before releasing the vehicle. And remember: a criminal record by itself shouldn’t automatically determine your decision. Consider how serious and recent the offense was and whether it’s actually relevant to the risks of the rental. Protect the asset first. The weekly payment comes second.