One Year Rent Upfront- Grounds to over look requirements?

Question

Hi all.

I have my second property up for rent and have a question…. Long story short, an applicant and co-applicant applied for my property and do not meet my credit score minimum (which is clearly posted twice in my ad as a minimum and non-negotiable). I denied the applicants based on low credit and sent an adverse action. They responded asking if paying upfront would work and I said no. They are now threatening me that they’re going to sue and report me for discriminating because they “took away all the uncertainty” by paying up front.

I don’t have to take this offer correct? I’ve had multiple parties offer this and have denied all the “upfront” offers, not just them.

Pego Jean-Paul · Answer

It seems like you are following a set criteria for all you applicants and they are all going through the same  process. Making this exception would probably would discriminate against the other potential tenants that also didn't met your criteria. I don't think this threat would go any where. Plus these are people you definitely don't want in your property.

Beth Blankenbicker · Answer

@Amanda Jarrett I’m pretty sure, in Pennsylvania at least, that you cannot legally accept more than 2 months rent in advance. Either way sounds like a huge red flag.

Amanda Chandler · Answer

That was my thought too. If I made exceptions I certainly would be treating someone differently than someone else. Thanks, just needed some reassurance!