Rejecting prospective tenant requesting for showing

[Haiyang A.]

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on tenant screening?

According to phone screening, a couple is legally separated (although they say they are working on reconciliation). Wife and kids will be primary residents in the rental unit, but the wife currently has no income. Husband seems to be able to qualify. However, if the husband stops paying (he said he's not staying in the unit most of the time), I will most likely end up with an eviction. Also, wife asks to move in ASAP, which is a red flag.

How do you say no to prospective tenants requesting for showing for a rental property? 

[Wesley W.]

"Thank you for your interest. Unfortunately, we have a minimum income requirement to qualify for this unit (3 times monthly rent); based on your email, it appears you do not meet those qualifications.  Good luck in your search."

The estranged husband is essentially a guarantor at this point.  I would not be open to taking a guarantor unless your rental market has a dearth of qualified applicants.  I would be especially wary of this "guarantor" as there will be a strong possibility of animosity between them and your tenants in the future.  The first thing he may do is stop paying her rent.  You've now made their personal problems your business problem. 

After sending the script above and explaining that anyone on the lease must reside in the unit, I would leave it at that and not entertain any further dialogue.