Do I have to give a reason when declining an applicant?

Question

If I do, can I use his/her income as a reason?

Or what is your favorite "excuses"? :) sometimes we just do not like a person...

Thanks.

Michael Rossi · Answer

I would just like to point out that it is legal to discriminate, provided that you're not discriminating against a protected class. For example, I discriminate against all felons, druggies, punks that have to hold their pants up with one hand, anyone with head to toe tatts, and anyone that calls me "bub" on the phone (ignorant urban hillbillies).

I don't try to hide the reason that I'm turning them down. If they're a druggie, I simply say that I don't rent to druggies!

I don't try to hide the reason that I'm turning them down.  If they're a druggie, I simply say that I don't rent to druggies!

Rob Gillespie · Answer

Set up strict guidelines and treat everyone the same ALWAYS!

Account Closed · Answer

mike's right...i discrimnate agaisnt rude, disrespectul people...this includes people blasting music in their car when they call on my for rent signs...c'mon, if you're not courteous enough to turn down the music in your car for a few minutes, then i don't think you'll be a good neighbor to my tenants

George P. · Answer

You might want to educate yourself before getting into trouble.
These two books are a good start:
1. http://www.amazon.com/Landlords-Survival-Guide-Succesfully-Part-Time/dp/1419535692/
2. http://www.amazon.com/Every-Landlords-Legal-Marcia-Stewart/dp/1413311970/

Hoang P. · Answer

Not if you charged them application fee (credit/background check). You will have to provide an answer to them.

A W · Answer

Can I give no reasons to the applicant? Or just say we decided to proceed with another applicant?

Laura Alamery · Answer

Yes, insufficient income is a legitimate reason.
As long as you don't give the impression that you are discriminating, you will be ok. I am always of the opinion that we have to go with our gut feeling as landlords: even if the credit is perfect and the income is great, if the tenant is not giving us the right vibes (remember the movie "Pacific Heights" ?:), don't take the tenant!

A W · Answer

Ok, so insufficient income is a legitimate reason?

Account Closed · Answer

You want to be very careful how you go about your screening process.  The process should not be discriminatory.  It can be a good idea to prepare a set of rules and criteria for how you select tenants.

I would always want to be armed with a good reason to decline an applicant. Insufficient income, poor credit, past evictions, insufficient job history, etc.

Do I have to give a reason when declining an applicant?

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