Tenant Applicants say the dumbest things

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Tenant Applicants say the dumbest things

Robin Grimes
Real Estate Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2010 · 37 posts · 326 votes

Stupid things Tenant Applicant’s say.

I had renovated a nice 4/3/2 and put it on the market for lease. Here are some of the comments from people who toured the property during the open house or called me from signage.

#1
Young single mother with 3yr old in tow. “My boyfriend will be paying the rent, he said to just go find a place, but I want to rent it in my name, so it will be mine alone.”
I’m thinking: I’m not renting to someone without the verified income to pay the rent. Sorry but a promise from a boyfriend just won’t do.
I’m saying: Here’s a rental application. The application fee is $25 but you should know that I will need to verify income and whoever is paying will need to be on the application and lease.

#2
Middle aged couple with no kids. Wife says “I don’t like the wood floors. If you can put down carpet and repaint to something brighter, we’d be interested. Also you will need to replace the stove.”
I’m thinking: The wood floors are new laminate that I just spent $1400 and two days installing. The paint is all new also. If you want to remodel a house, go buy one yourself.
I’m saying: Here’s a rental application. The application fee is $25. The property is being rented in its newly remodeled condition.

#3
Family. Made appointment and met me at house. Husband says “I need a 3 car garage.”
I’m thinking: The 2 in 4/3/2 stands for TWO car garage. Plus the photos show it’s a two car garage, so why are you here wasting my time and yours? Did you think I was hiding a third garage bay in the back yard?
I’m saying: Here’s a rental application. The application fee is $25. This house only has a two car garage.

#4
Very young guy, young 20’s maybe, called me from sign in yard. He’s parked at house. Says: “ I need a big place for my girlfriend and our 3 month old since we want to have more kids. Could you help me out and rent it to me for $xxx” (about ½ the rental rate).
I’m thinking: So you’re requesting that I contribute half your rent so you can have more kids that you can’t house and support.
I’m saying: I’m happy to provide an application. The application fee is $25. Sorry the rental rate is firm.
.

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Don KonipolBusiness Member
Investor · The Woodlands TX / Avon, CT · Member since 2009 · 6k+ posts · 10k+ votes
14y

Last year I was renting a high end high rise condo - rent $1800 per month. A guy asked if I could give him the first 6 months free and waive the security deposit, after he found a job he would make double payments the second 6 months.

Had a tenant a few years back that signed a 12 month lease. always paid her rent on time. The lease of course becomes a month to month if she stays on. I asked her if she desired to renew the lease at expiration, or would she be moving. She said that since she fullfilled her lease obligation by paying 12 months rent she would stay on. She honestly believed that once she paid 12 months rent the apartment was hers for free for as long as she wanted!

But the best one was the tenant that always had an excuse for late rent. One month he told me he had sent the check in on the 2nd, of course I had not received it by the 5th. When I did receive it it was dated the 6th. Called the tenant and told him if he was going to lie at least pre date the check.
The next month I send the tenant an invoice for the rent, late fee, plus $250. The tenant calls and asks what the additional $250 is for. I told him it was a "lying fee". A couple days later I received the rent, late fee, and an additional $500. Called the tenant to ask why he sent an additional $500. He said he knew he would lie to me again in the future so he was prepaying an additional lying fee! BTW, although he is no longer a tenant and hasn't been for some time, he is now a friend. The entertainment value of this guy far outweighted the aggravation.

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  • Linda WeygantPro Member
    Investor and CPA · Arvada, CO · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    11y
    Originally posted by @Kimberly H.:

    An application, which I received from a real estate agent, said, "I know this may be off-putting, but I am a professional gambler making 4k-5k/month. I am one of the leading gamblers in the area. Now that I have been honest and upfront about it you should rent to me". Out of curiosity,  I did google their name and "gambler" and found nothing.

     I had a tax client many years ago that was a professional gambler.  He reported all profits and losses on his Schedule C.  This wouldn't necessarily be a deal breaker, but I would definitely ask for the tax return.

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  • Kimberly H.
    Residential Real Estate Broker · Chicago Suburbs, IL · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 594 votes
    11y

    @Linda Weygant

    What else was odd is that it was a couple, one said she had her own cleaning company, the gambler also worked for his brother, and zero supporting documentation was provided for anything, such as bank statements or tax returns.  Plus I had a great application in hand already so it wasn't worth pursuing.

    Out of curiosity, what criteria would a gambler need to meet for you to rent to them? I would assume they would have to make even more than 2.5x or 3x the rent?

    0Reply
  • Linda WeygantPro Member
    Investor and CPA · Arvada, CO · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    11y

    That's a great question.  I don't know how I would handle an applicant with variable income.  On the one hand, it's not any different than somebody who is commission only or self employed or who works for mostly tips like a wait person, a salon stylist or dancer.  On the other hand, it feels a bit off putting.  In order to not run afoul of equal housing laws, I guess if they met my requirements for income based on documentable and verifiable income, I'd go ahead and rent to them.  But I'd be VERY diligent about on-time payments and late fees and such.

    I think the fact that your applicants had no supporting documentation is probably typical for "professional" gamblers and the like, and so you're safe in refusing to rent to them due to not having anything that is documented.

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  • Matthew Paul
    Severna Park, MD · Member since 2013 · 7k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    11y

    The ironic thing is it would be no different than renting to a real estate agent ,

    5Reply
  • Dawn AnastasiPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2013 · 6k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    11y

    I love this one:  "I was going to ask nicely if I could pay a little extra on rent every month towards the first month's rent".

    You can ask nicely, you can ask harshly, but the answer is still going to be the same.

    ====

    Me: "No pets"

    Prospect: "Not even 2 pitbulls?"

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  • Steve Babiak
    Real Estate Investor · Audubon, PA · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 8k+ votes
    11y
    Originally posted by @Linda Weygant:
    Originally posted by @Kimberly H.:

    An application, which I received from a real estate agent, said, "I know this may be off-putting, but I am a professional gambler making 4k-5k/month. I am one of the leading gamblers in the area. Now that I have been honest and upfront about it you should rent to me". Out of curiosity,  I did google their name and "gambler" and found nothing.

     I had a tax client many years ago that was a professional gambler.  He reported all profits and losses on his Schedule C.  This wouldn't necessarily be a deal breaker, but I would definitely ask for the tax return.

    Let's see if @J Scott has anything to say here :)

    He has had this type of income in the past ...

    0Reply
  • J ScottPro Member
    Moderator
    Investor · Sarasota, FL · Member since 2008 · 18k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    11y
    Originally posted by @Steve Babiak:
    Originally posted by @Linda Weygant:
    Originally posted by @Kimberly H.:

    An application, which I received from a real estate agent, said, "I know this may be off-putting, but I am a professional gambler making 4k-5k/month. I am one of the leading gamblers in the area. Now that I have been honest and upfront about it you should rent to me". Out of curiosity,  I did google their name and "gambler" and found nothing.

     I had a tax client many years ago that was a professional gambler.  He reported all profits and losses on his Schedule C.  This wouldn't necessarily be a deal breaker, but I would definitely ask for the tax return.

    Let's see if @J Scott has anything to say here :)

    He has had this type of income in the past ...

    I would ask for tax returns...if he's a true professional, he reports his income and it's verifiable.  If he doesn't have tax return data to support his earning, but he's a successful gambler, he should have plenty of cash, so in that case, ask him to pay the entire year upfront...  :-)

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  • Steve Babiak
    Real Estate Investor · Audubon, PA · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 8k+ votes
    11y

    @J Scott's answer applies to those who gamble legally; there is also the possibility that the applicant is doing illegal gambling (mob type or bookie etc.) where the tax return could give away that "secret" activity ...

    1Reply
  • George P.
    Property Manager · Livonia, MI · Member since 2011 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11y

    this reminds me of the movie with (can't think of the name) going to a bank asking for a loan. they ask him what he does and he says "porn star".

    1Reply
  • Casey Kleinhenz
    Developer · Bentonville, AR · Member since 2013 · 45 posts · 25 votes
    11y

    Yesterday -

    "Do you have any apartments available for the first?"

         "Yes, I have a fellow moving out at the end of the month"

    "Oh good, you accept felons!"

         "No, I said 'fella'"

    "Nevermind, (click)"

    9Reply
  • Sherry Norman
    Wholesaler · Kenvil, NJ · Member since 2015 · 42 posts · 15 votes
    11y
    Originally posted by @Steve Babiak:

    Oh, I forgot about the restaurant owners.

    Asian restaurant owners, looking at my rental. They own their own place, so why do they want the rental? Because they want to house their entire restaurant staff ...

    0Reply
  • Sherry Norman
    Wholesaler · Kenvil, NJ · Member since 2015 · 42 posts · 15 votes
    11y

    Sorry I'm a little shaky on the technology, but in re Steve Babiak's post that I reposted above.  

    Steve, at least I assume they told you their intentions.  A few years ago, I rented to two "brothers" (when I commented that they did not look anything alike, one being like a full head shorter than the other, they said that they were actually cousins, but that the Chinese word for "cousin" is the same one as the word for "brother".)  The pretext was that the two of them were moving in w/their g'friends.  Financials looked good & I rented to them.

    The next time I had reason to enter the house, which had 4-5 bdrms. already, they had 2 sets of bunk beds moved into the LR, and various other beds and bunks throughout the rest of the house, and had moved in their entire restaurant staff.  (I lost count as everyone scrambled around when I entered, but a lot of people!)

    Of course nobody living there had any interest in mowing the lawn or raking leaves in the fall, which were supposed to be tenant responsibilities.  Let alone cleaning the house.  If it didn't involve making more money, it didn't get done.

    I will say one thing thing though-every rent check was always paid in full and on time, and never bounced.

    1Reply
  • Dawn AnastasiPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2013 · 6k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    11y

    Renting a house out for July 1st.

    Caller: So this house is available September 1st?

    Me: No I'm renting it out for July 1st.  I'm having a showing tomorrow morning.  Are you interested in attending?

    Caller: How much is first month's rent and security deposit?

    Me: $1,600.

    Caller:  Oh, wow. Well, I can have that on June 21st.

    Me: The showing is tomorrow morning and I will have applications there for you to fill out.

    Caller:  Um, hold on a minute.

    Caller hangs up on me.

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  • Steve Babiak
    Real Estate Investor · Audubon, PA · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 8k+ votes
    11y
    Originally posted by @Sherry Norman:

    ...

    Steve, at least I assume they told you their intentions. ...

    Only upon interrogation by me; they did not just volunteer that. In fact, they wanted me to see their restaurant, so that is where they wanted me to pick up the application - and that is where the info finally came out. Of course, I had done some digging in advance, since I did uncover that they lived in a place they owned; I initially suspected they might be ready for foreclosure, but no lawsuit (PA is judicial) had yet been filed at the county courthouse. 

    0Reply
  • Sherry Norman
    Wholesaler · Kenvil, NJ · Member since 2015 · 42 posts · 15 votes
    11y

    My company bought a house that included 4 subdividable lots, with the intention of subdividing off the back 2 lots, which had street frontage on another street running behind the existing dwelling.  The existing dwelling would have violated the side setback lot line if we had tried to create a 4th lot on the side of the existing house.  So in the end we decided not to make a 4th lot (i.e. third vacant lot).

    Anyway, the subdivision process is fraught, and you never know how long it will take.  So we decided to rent out the existing house until we got our final approvals from the town.  Problem was, we couldn't sign a lease with a fixed term b/c we wanted the freedom to sell the house with only the front 2 lots as soon as the approvals were granted.

    We found we were getting market resistance to renting out the house b/c people wanted to sign a yearly lease.  So I set the rent about $300 below market value, which generated lots of calls.

    One woman led her family through a tour of the house, said they really needed a place and were very interested.  I pointed out that the rental would include the use of the side lot and the 2 back lots going all the way to the street behind.  When we discussed the term of the lease I told her that it was for an indefinite period, hence the low rent.  But I also pointed out that by law in NJ we would have to give her at least 60 days notice, and that we would give her the courtesy of as much advance notice as possible beyond that.  And that we anticipated it would be at least a year before we were ready to sell.

    This next thing was my BIG mistake. You see, I thought I was speaking to a rational human being. So I next told her that when we were ready to sell we would be willing to give the right of first refusal to buy the house to whoever became the tenant, and that we would even offer some discount from FMV b/c we wouldn't be paying a RE commission. Since most of the applicants were not really mortgage-worthy material, I even mentioned that we knew of a gov't. backed mortgage program writing mortgages in that area, and that we could help them and work with them to get the mortgage. But of course we would be selling them the house and 2 front lots, w/o the back lots.

    Potential applicant (hasn't even filled out an application form yet) asks in an almost outraged tone:  "You mean I wouldn't be getting the back 2 lots?"

    Me: "Not with the house purchase, if you decided to go ahead with that.  But you would have full use of those lots during the rental period.  And the house does come with a double lot if you decide to purchase."

    Applicant:  "But I WANT the back lots!"

    Me: "Yeah, we did too.  That's the reason we bought the place.  It's a business and it's designed to make a profit and that's where we're making ours. "

    Applicant leaves in a real huff, saying she's not interested then.  Apparently, she was so insulted that she no longer needed a rental.

    How does a person walk in to tour a rental, with no apparent notion that she could ultimately buy that house or any house for that matter, and 10 minutes later leave b/c she just found out that although she might get the chance to buy that house w/i a short period of time, it would not include property all the way through to the street behind it that she also didn't even know about until 10 minutes previously? 

     From her attitude, you would have thought someone just tried to chisel her out of a rightful inheritance or something.  I sometimes wonder what kind of logic system prevails on the planets that people like that come from.

    4Reply
  • Dawn AnastasiPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2013 · 6k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    11y

    Had an interesting email to one of my ads today:

    "I won't lie I have evictions on my name from trying to help my sister out (getting places for her)I am now paying for it !!!i have a great job as a mail Carrier for 1.5 yrs if your willing to work with me I'll pay a hundred dollars more monthly to prove I'm a good tenant"

    My response:

    I don't need $100 more monthly to prove that you're a good tenant. To prove you're a good tenant it only takes 3 simple things:
    1.) Pay your rent on time and in full every month.
    2.) Keep the place clean and sanitary.
    3.) Don't cause trouble.
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  • Jane W.
    Brooklyn, NY · Member since 2015 · 20 posts · 12 votes
    11y

    Prospective tenant comes into see a unit, says she likes it, then disappears for two weeks after the unit has been rented. 

    Them: Wanted to let you know I'm still very interested. Can I come to take measurements?

    Me: Sorry, the unit is taken. 

    Them: Oh no, I'm very interested. Oh I thought we had an understanding. I asked about the refrigerator, which I thought was an indication I was ready to move in. I just wish you followed up with me before handing the keys over. 

    Me: asking about refrigerator = ready to move in?

    ---

    20 days prior to start lease: Can we move our large items into the storage?

    me: Why?

    them: we are coming from visiting our parents from canada?

    me: and?

    17 days prior to start lease

    them: Could we keep the utility in your name? 

    me: No.

    them: We had a bad experience with our utility company and then charged us $180 in switch cost. 

    me: There's not fee associated with starting your utility here.

    them: Could you send us the form for the utility company? We had a really bad experience with our last utility company.

    6 days prior to the start of lease: can we move in? you said you won't charge us the last few days of rent? The place is empty so is there any way?

    me: do you want to pay pro rata daily?

    them: no, you said we could move in early. was there a misunderstanding or did something change?

    me: I meant a few days early.

    (back and forth) 

    them: if you don't let us move in x date (6 days early), we will cancel the lease.

    me: do you mean you want to break the lease if you don't get to move in 6 days early for free?

    6Reply
  • Roy N.Pro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Fredericton, New Brunswick · Member since 2013 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    11y

    @Jane W.

    After all that back and forth, sounds like they might be high-maintenance tenants; maybe you should have set them free?

    2Reply
  • Jane W.
    Brooklyn, NY · Member since 2015 · 20 posts · 12 votes
    11y

    @Roy N. Yes my thoughts exactly. 

    1Reply
  • Matthew Paul
    Severna Park, MD · Member since 2013 · 7k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    11y

    I'll take it !!    I need to move in Tomorrow .   The couple that looked at the house today says.   Ok , well you need to fill out the application , credit check and criminal background, I have to check refrences and employment , Its Sunday so it will take a day or 2 .   The electric needs to be switched and you need a rental insurance policy . 

    Applicant " all that isnt necessary , you can trust me my money is good . 

    Me " I just met you 10 minutes ago , dont know you ,  I trust no one . If everything checks out you could be moving in next weekend . 

    Applicant  " well Fxxx you then " 

    Me  " thanks for stopping by " 

    7Reply
  • Adrian Watkins
    Tucson, AZ · Member since 2015 · 70 posts · 24 votes
    11y

    LOL...this thread is amazing!  Kind of the opposite but my friend and I were looking at a place to rent a few years ago (we were in our early 20's then).  I met with someone who I am assuming was a property manager to show us the place and he kept talking about the amazing parties we could have there since it had a pool and a large lot.  I sure as hell wouldn't want a PM to be telling people that.

    5Reply
  • Linda WeygantPro Member
    Investor and CPA · Arvada, CO · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    11y

    Yesterday's Applicants:

    Family 1

    Me:  Do you have any evictions?

    Him:  No

    Her: Well...  Was Idaho an eviction?

    Him:  No, not technically.  I don't think.  Maybe.  I guess you'll have to run the check and see.

    Her:  What about Tennessee.

    Him:  Oh yeah.  I forgot about that.

    I then got to hear all about his anger management issues and how their toddler also is displaying anger management issues and how she likes to throw and break things when she's angry - just like Daddy!

    By the way, this was while the toddler was running around the kitchen, opening every cabinet and drawer and BANGING them shut and giggling.  Parents saying/doing nothing to stop it.

    Him:  Also, I don't have the application fee ($40), but I'll have it next week.  Can you run the reports now and we'll pay you when we move in?

    Me:  Um no.  

    Me (Internally):  Good grief.  What happens if you have a flat tire?

    ******************

    (Different applicants, same day)

    Me:  I charge $40 per adult to check criminal, credit and evictions.

    Them:  Wow, that's a lot of money

    Me:  It's just a pass through expense.  I charge exactly what the service charges me, I don't profit from it.

    Them:  Well let's see, there's the two of us, our 18 year old son, his 19 year old girlfriend, their infant, our 8 year old son, my sister, her husband and their 13 year old twins.

    Me:  (counting quickly to keep up) That's 6 adults and 4 kids in a 4 bedroom house....  

    Them:  ...

    Me:  Well, I don't run background checks on kids...

    Me: (Internally) Jesus get these people out of my house now.

    Me (Continuing):  I don't accept anybody with a felony. (Just repeating what's in the ad)

    Him: Ah.  Well then, thanks for your time.

    Me:  (Internally)  Thank you Jesus.

    *****************

    (Yet another set of applicants, same day)

    Them:  We're born again Christians, so we've been forgiven for anything that happened before we accepted Christ into our hearts

    Me:  Uh huh.  And how long ago was this? (Not that it really matters, but I'm curious).

    Them:  6 months for her, last week for me.

    NEXT!

    And a new round of applicants will be met tomorrow.  Thank goodness for beer.

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    12Reply
  • Dawn AnastasiPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2013 · 6k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    11y
    Originally posted by @Linda Weygant:
    Them:  We're born again Christians, so we've been forgiven for anything that happened before we accepted Christ into our hearts

     Christ may forgive recent evictions, but I don't.

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    25Reply
  • Linda WeygantPro Member
    Investor and CPA · Arvada, CO · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    11y

    After this weekend, I'm working on a new idea for screening.  If the applicant has more tattoos than teeth, it's a good indication that there may be some other stuff in the background that will disqualify the tenants.  Thinking about just putting that question on my phone screening questionnaire.

    Name:

    Phone Number:

    Tattoos:

    Teeth:

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  • George P.
    Property Manager · Livonia, MI · Member since 2011 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11y

    we have been using agents to list our houses and I never thought I'd be so glad to pay them 1k+ per house.  dealing with 90 percent trash is not my style anymore.  I have better things to do on daily basis 

    we continuously get applications with just a few dollars in their accounts and not enough money to cover the rents.  I just don't know why they waste their time with landlords like us when they see we ask for a laundry list of stuff just to apply. 

    my agents say they will all find something because most landlords don't ask for anything.  lol

    1Reply
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