Re: written rental criteria - Landlord Forum thread 339525

Re: written rental criteria by Andrea (GA) on October 6, 2015 @15:52

Actually, there are states that do require that you provide your written criteria to all potential tenants. (I believe Washington State does, for example). I am not familiar with CA state law, but I suggest you research it to be sure.

Regardless, you should always have written criteria and it can work to your advantage to supply it, even if the law does not require it. For example, if you indicate that you require a minimum credit score of 700 and a clean criminal background, you will probably minimize the number of unqualified candidates that inquire about your property. That saves everybody time. You are also less likely to be targeted for discrimination if your reason for rejection is clear.

Please be advised that if you do turn someone away for something negative on his/her credit report (which is perfectly legal), you MUST advise them of this in an adverse action letter. (Note: this is true whether you share your written criteria or not.) The letter must indicate the credit reporting agency you used and how the applicant can contact the agency. The LPA or most credit screening services can provide you with a template.

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Re: written rental criteria by Brendan on October 6, 2015 @23:38	[ Reply ]

CA is a NO.

Re: written rental criteria by May (ca) on October 7, 2015 @00:25	[ Reply ]

Thank you for your advise.

Re: written rental criteria by anon (ca) on October 7, 2015 @11:19	[ Reply ]

Those services that are used to run credit checks also have an option to print out the denial letter to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Re: written rental criteria by Stephen (WA - Washington) on October 7, 2015 @12:15	[ Reply ]

In WA it is required to post or provide in writing your rental criteria. For those of you who would like to read the actual detailed requirement, see RCW 59.18.257. I believe this was implemented due to unscrupulous LLs who would take fees from applicants who couldn't qualify and who, had they been told the criteria, wouldn't have applied.