No no no - how to say no
We just listed our first rental property (Ontario) and have a fair amount of interest in the unit. Someone messaged and after all the arrangements were made to meet, they inform us that:
-they own businesses but don't pay taxes
-the unit is for their daughter (who we believe is in highschool)
-they want to pay cash
-they want to pay for the full year up front
There was so much confusion. We got scrambled in their messages. We are not comfortable with this arrangement. We are trying to be as political and professional as possible in our responses. Is it sufficient to just say "We're unable to move forward with this arrangement. We apologize and wish you luck in finding a suitable residence."?
Most Popular Reply
These are my qualifications for tenancy. I would recommend making a written list of your own, then disqualify applicants on that aspect.
Dear Prospective Tenant,
Thank you for visiting and applying. We are pleased you are considering making your home with us. We are very proud of our property and its residents and believe you will be, too. Our standards for qualifying to rent a unit are simple and fair. They are:
Applicant must be employed or have verification of income. We require monthly gross household income to be at least three times the monthly rental rate. Self-employment or income other than wages from employment such as tips, commissions, school subsidies, or allowances from parents may require verification. An applicant that is not currently employed must provide proof of funds (current bank statement), which will equal a full year of the lease agreement and may require a guarantor and/or additional security deposit.
Credit history for a two-year period prior to this application will be evaluated. Lack of credit history may require an additional security deposit. Negative credit history including bankruptcies or repossessions is unacceptable.
Applicant is preferred to have a minimum of one-year verifiable rental history. Verifiable rental history for a period of at least 12 months, in which all the lease terms have been satisfactorily fulfilled, is preferred. Negative rental history, eviction, or outstanding monies owed to a previous landlord are unacceptable. If applicant owned a home, applicant may need to furnish mortgage information upon request. If applicant has no prior verifiable rental history due to living at home, an additional security deposit may be required. If an uninterrupted chain of documentable residence cannot be established for the previous 24 months, this is unacceptable.
A criminal background check will be done on all applicants and any occupant 18 years of age or older. Misdemeanors or felony convictions against persons or property within the past five years are not acceptable.
Applicant’s character. Evidence suggesting a courteous person who is generally clean and well kept in appearance, and demonstrates truthfulness, reliability and follow through on and during the application process.
In the City of X, occupancy limits have been established per unit size. Please confirm that the unit for which you are applying meets the minimum legal criteria for the size of your household.
In order to proceed with the application process, each applicant aged 18+ must provide:
- Completed Rental Application
- Scan/photocopy of Driver’s License or Government-issued photo I.D.
- Scan/photocopy of the two most recent pay stubs
At landlord’s discretion, compensating factors such as an additional security deposit or co-signer (guarantor) may be required for qualification if Applicant fails to meet any one of the above requirements. In the event of multiple applicants, tenancy will be granted to the most qualified, based on the above criteria.
Once your application is approved, you will have 24 hours to submit a non-refundable binder payment for your rental unit. This payment will become your first month’s rent upon move-in.
I also include the following on my applications:
ONLY COMPLETED APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED
AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE INFORMATION— The landlord or landlord’s representative who will verify information is (name). By signing below, applicant(s) give permission to (1) current and former employers to release any information about applicants’ employment history and income history to the above named person;
(2) current and former landlords to release any information about applicants’ rental history to the above named person; (3) current and former mortgage lenders on property that applicants’ own or have owned to release any information about mortgage payment history to the above named person; (4) bank, savings and loan, or credit union to provide a verification of funds that applicants’ have on deposit to the above named person, and (5) to the above named person to obtain a copy of applicants’ consumer report (credit report) from any consumer reporting agency and to obtain criminal background information about applicants. All such information hereon, and released as authorized above, will be kept confidential. The application is for qualification purposes only. Applicant understands that landlord may accept multiple applications for this rental unit and retains sole discretion to select the most qualified applicant. APPLICANT REPRESENTS THAT THE INFORMATION SET FORTH ON THIS APPLICATION IS TRUE AND COMPLETE. Material misrepresentations or omissions on the Application will constitute a default under the Lease or Rental Agreement between the parties. This application may not be considered eligible for evaluation if it contains blank spaces or incomplete information.
Between these two docs you have plenty of opportunities to pass on undesirable people.