Do you disclose minimum requirements to applicants?

Question

I have learned that requiring 2.5 to 3 times the salary is the norm. Do you let applicants know if they ask you?

On the one hand, I have read that it is better not to give out much information; on the other hand, I feel having them go through screening if they don't meet the minimum requirements is a waste of their time and money.

Thanks!

Nathan Schiess · Answer

@Maria Garcia Make sure to let anyone who wants to apply to do so (this is to protect your self against Fair Housing lawsuits). You can always deny an application, but you must give everyone the equal opportunity to apply. Provide every prospective tenant with your rental criteria and then if you need to deny an application it can be on the grounds of "Did Not Meet Rental Criteria". This keeps you safe and also saves you and prospective tenants time and money.

I have included our rental criteria for your reference. Yours might be different, but this will give you a good starting point. I hope this helps. :)

Jim S. · Answer

I list my minimums in my add, as do others around here. It cuts down on unwanted calls.

Nathan Schiess · Answer

I'd be happy to clarify. When a prospective tenant asks if they can apply you say "Of course you can, here is our rental criteria." You are then welcome to explain it all and go into details, but it is then their choice to apply or not. It is your choice to accept or deny the application, however not letting someone fill out the application can be considered a violation of Fair Housing Law. It seems like you are trying to help them out by not letting them apply because you know that they won't qualify, but it ends up being a legal trap for you if you don't let them apply.

I hope that makes sense. Good Luck!

Thomas S. · Answer

Definatly list certain minimums buy just the basics like credit and income. The rest you leave out to allow you to eliminate any applicants that have defects beyond your normal screening standards.

Employment, income level restrictions if allowed, credit score all worth listing to eliminate losers and save you some time and effort.

Ron H. · Answer

Even though I list income requirements in my ad very clearly, with my latest vacancy I only had 8 out of 40 people that filled out my preapplication that actually met stated requirements.  I have them fill out this form before showings just to limit the time that would be wasted on these showings.  This is not including the 160 additional people that inquired of the property that decided to not fill out the prequal form

Christine Kankowski · Answer

Absolutely- Why waste their time and yours?

Lets say they have a pet horse  or have 8 evictions on their record, wouldn't you want to tell them no, since it is a sure thing that they wont qualify.

I have the requirements clearly posted when they apply online, include what breeds of dog we accept, income required, etc.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I run a credit/criminal background on every adult. The company that processes those checks charges $16.95 per application so I charge the application fee to cover their charge.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Providing rental criteria up front will dramatically reduce the amount of time wasted on unqualified applicants. Give them the basics and most of them will quickly know if it's worth applying or not. I also recommend having a more detailed policy written so you and the applicant can reference it. You can create a free web site or have it available to email anyone that asks.

I also agree with @Nathan Schiess that you should always let people apply if they want. When an applicant shares information that may disqualify them, I just state our policies and let them know they can still apply if they want. I also make it clear the application fee is non-refundable. You'll be amazed how many people can't afford a $20 application fee.

Ned J. · Answer

Unless you want to deal with a ton of contacts that never have a chance of renting your unit, then YES......... its weeds out the "not going to happen" as much as possible from the start. No point n wasting time dealing with contacts that have ZERO shot.

But you make it perfectly clear that EVERYONE is welcome to apply, but these are your basic criteria, so its up to them if they want to apply.....

Maria G. · Answer

@Ron H.: Thanks. So for sure I won't show it to people who don't even go through the process, I was asking about the ones who did go but from the application turned out not to be good candidates.

Do you disclose minimum requirements to applicants?

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