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Lying during the prequalification interview
by BeachDay (FL)
on April 21, 2015 @20:02
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Like many here, I call prospective tenants and do a "prequalification" phone interview before I set up a showing. I had one tonight that baffled me. My ad clearly states that I only accept tenants with no criminal background and that I do background checks. While I was speaking with a young man, I pulled up the county records that revealed an open felony case for him. I asked him if he had a clean criminal background. He said yes. I told him I do background checks. It didn't phase him; he wanted to come and see the place.
I ended up calling him back and verifying his current address, which matched the felony case, so I knew I had the right person. I then told him that I saw his open case and that he did not qualify for my rental- case closed.
My question is- why do people insist on wasting everyone's time? He's never going to get the place, so why lie about it and waste his time (and mine)coming to see it? I'm baffled by the stupidy.
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Re: Lying during the prequalification interview
by MrDan (Georgia)
on April 21, 2015 @20:29
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If it is "open" and no plea or verdict has occurred, then you are innocent of any charges.
Open felony simply means that you have felony charges pending. In other words the charge has not been dismissed, plead to or been the subject of a jury trial.
Here are some important screening criteria and questions to also consider;
Have you or any other intended occupant, including minors, ever been charged (whether or not resulting in a conviction) or convicted, or pleaded guilty or “no contest” to a felony? Yes_____ No_____
Have you or any other intended occupant, including minors, ever been charged (whether or not resulting in a conviction) or convicted, or pleaded guilty or “no contest” to a misdemeanor involving sexual misconduct or the manufacturing and/or sale of drugs? Yes_____ No_____
Are you or any other intended occupant, including minors, required to register as a Violent or Sex Offender in any jurisdiction? Yes_____ No_____
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Re: Lying during the prequalification interview
by Garry (Iowa)
on April 21, 2015 @21:51
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It"s not stupidity, it's desperation! They are trying to find a gullible LL, or at least a LL that does a poor job of checking backgrounds. Their only alternative is being homeless, so they have nothing to lose by lying. It's no different than a druggie robbing, stealing, or prostituting themselves just to get another fix. They will do anything it takes to get it.
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simple solution for open cases
by J (FL)
on April 21, 2015 @21:55
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In your written criteria you can state that the application will be placed on hold (and the house will NOT be held off the market for this individual) until the open criminal case is resolved. Then you just keep showing the unit and rent to someone else.
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Re: Lying during the prequalification interview
by BeachDay (FL)
on April 21, 2015 @22:10
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Good suggestions to add to my screening! I will definitely implement them.
I also fully understand the "innocent until proven guilty," but when reading through the court documents, there was an area where he admitted to the charges and had 2 independent witnesses identify him. So the court case may not be completed yet, but let's face it- he's guilty.
I had an applicant last fall who was upfront with me about things in his past. He has since gotten himself together, has a nice family and started his own business. We accepted him. No problems so far. The moral of the story- be upfront so it doesn't look like you're trying to hide something.
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Re: They think you won't really check
by CCRider (CA)
on April 22, 2015 @00:24
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I see on other forums where posters advise people to look for a private owner, because they probably won't check their credit/background, etc.
They're taking a gamble you won't really check.
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