Screening & Apps - Landlord Forum thread 357713

Screening & Apps by Dave S (Ohio) on June 11, 2018 @22:07

When you have shown the property to someone but have a bad gut feeling about them to the point that it isnt likely you would rent to them should you give them an app anyway to show you are not discriminating (but not charge them for it)? Then just dont rent to them? Or if not give them an app what do you tell them when they request it? Do you just say I have another prospect right now? Do you tell them this is just a preliminary showing with the apps possibly coming later? I am running into showing the property to a number of people I am not comfortable with but want to stay out of any trouble on discrimination laws (teenagers etc.).

[ Reply ] [ Return to forum ]

Re: Screening & Apps by Joel on June 12, 2018 @15:56	[ Reply ]

As John (LPA) says, give them an app if they want to apply and let them know their application will be considered "along with others" and that the management will accept the best qualified applicant. See https://www.thelpa.com/lpa/what/3reject.html

Re: Screening & Apps by Jack Klein (NY) on June 12, 2018 @16:06	[ Reply ]

Never rent to anyone you have a bad feeling about.

Re: Screening & Apps by MrDan on June 17, 2018 @23:57	[ Reply ]

"should you give them an app anyway" You should give every prospect an application along with your rental criteria. How would you prove you did not discriminate if you failed to provide an application. "Then just dont rent to them?" If they meet your rental criteria, then they are qualified. Refusing to rent to an otherwise qualified prospect is a violation of the Fair Housing Act. "Or if not give them an app what do you tell them when they request it?" It's best to offer them an application and your rental criteria. They may decide to not apply. But regardless, it's best to keep one mouth shout and make no statements such as " I have another prospect right now'. That's also a violation of the fair housing act. "Do you tell them this is just a preliminary showing with the apps possibly coming later" This can be construed as as a violation also. It seems a landlord is discouraging a prospect from applying. "I am running into showing the property to a number of people I am not comfortable with" You should review how you are advertising so as to not attract such persons. You should have a clear list of rental criteria that every prospect applicant is provided with, as many will self disqualify themselves. Providing your rental criteria before showing will will help eliminate some of unqualified prospects.

Re: Screening & Apps