Updated almost 7 years ago on . Most recent reply
Property managers reviewing tenant apps
We have a few buildings that we do not manage directly, and the new property managers are managing them for us. Overall, they are doing a pretty good job so far. There have been a few applicants for the handful of vacant units, but they will not share the credit report with us citing privacy issues. Some already have collections, but they will not inform us what they were about, other than they are considered small balances.
How does one go about dealing with an issue like this? I've already requested for us to run the credit report, but they said we couldn't do that.
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As a property manager myself (as well as investor using property manager out of state) we do need to follow the rules about credit reports.
With our clients, we discuss our criteria up front and all parties must agree so we can move forward. Once agreed, we post it for rent and only rent to those who fit the criteria - credit, income, etc.
If we let owners have input once the application is received and approved, sometimes they dont want to rent to someone based on an illegal reason, or another reason that was already agreed upon in the parameters. For example, one owner said they saw the applicants car was a complete mess, so they didn't want to rent. (Applicant had just traveled from several states away and ended up being an excellent tenant)
We have to stick to our criteria, so everyone is treated the same. no judgement is made that could be in violation of fair housing. As a property manager, it is easier to look at the facts, and not have any personal opinion in the matter.
I hope that helps.