Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 16%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$39 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated about 5 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

1
Posts
0
Votes
Hari Sarvotama
0
Votes |
1
Posts

Question on renting when the landlord has multiple applications

Hari Sarvotama
Posted

I applied for renting a home and paid $80 for background check through an Agent. The Agent confirmed that there are no other applications that time. Looks like, another applicant also applied and they also paid for background check. Now the landlord tells me that both applications are under consideration and he has to reject one. My questions are:

1. Is it legal for the landlord to accept second application when I have paid for background check?

2.The future landlord does not have any reason to reject since we have clean background. In multiple application scenerio, on what legal basis the Landlord can reject an Applicant? Can they reject on basis that the other applicant has offered to pay more? Is it legal?

Thanks

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

5,116
Posts
5,176
Votes
Kyle J.
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Northern, CA
5,176
Votes |
5,116
Posts
Kyle J.
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Northern, CA
Replied

@Hari Sarvotama You didn’t mention where you’re located and that can make a difference.

For example, in my state (like most states), there’s no state law that prohibits a landlord from collecting multiple applications and then selecting the most qualified applicant. Provided, of course, that the landlord isn’t discriminating based on any protected classification (i.e. race, religion, gender, etc).

However, some individual cities (like Seattle for example) have passed ordinances that require landlords to use a “first come, first served” type of system and basically accept the first qualified applicant that applied.  But there can be nuances and exceptions in even those ordinances.

The best thing to do is research the local landlord-tenant laws for the specific jurisdiction where the rental you’re applying at is located in. That’s the only way to know for sure. 

Loading replies...