Neighbor to SFR insists on being involved in screening process

[Derek Luttrell]

Hi there,

I closed on my sixth buy and hold rental recently, and had my first Open House for it this past weekend. Today, I received  multiple calls from the next door neighbor, and he is insisting on having a say in the tenant selection because he "wants to make sure he gets good neighbors." 

I don't actually owe this guy any of my time, right? He wants to know who came to the open house, when they plan to move in, and all kinds of things that are none of his business. Just wanted to see if anyone out there has ever come across something similar before.

[Mike Cumbie]

@Derek Luttrell

LOL, Yup you have it right, he has less than zero say. Letting a neighbor decide who is moving in just opens you up to Fair Housing violations. 

Of course you can have fun with it. Act all excited. "You know that's a great idea. Also when you do any outside improvements make sure you contact me so that I can approve the colors and patterns. We are so going to make this neighborhood look great"

If you are trying to avoid any conflict you can always tell him "I appreciate what you are saying but I have to maintain the privacy of the applicants"