Scary applicant: Should I just cut contact with him?

Question

This is about a person who has applied to rent a house. He is charismatic and likeable, talkative and seems genuine. His income and personal references check out. However when I ran his background check, he was successfully sued for rent just a year ago. I called the plaintiff and they told me the story of what happened, that I want nothing to do with him, and that he is potentially dangerous. He lied about some things on his application and I'm done with him.

My question is: Should give him a reason I rejected his application, or just simply cut off contact? I am concerned he could become vindictive.

Michaela G. · Answer

I have to say that this is one of my pet peeves of landlords: not giving feedback.

I own houses in Atlanta, but whenever I live in another state I rent. I've had the hardest time in California, because landlords just won't get back to you and you sit and twiddle your thumbs and don't know where you stand.

If this is your first choice, then you don't want to apply somewhere else until you know exactly what's going on. I think it's really unfair and unconsiderate.

I think saying that you have a firm rule about owed rent is not something he can argue about. But if you ignore him, you'll get him pissed off and there's a better chance of backlash.

Michaela G. · Answer

I would just say that you see that he's been sued for back rent and that you have a rule that you will not accept anyone with a record of prior eviction or owing rent. That's a very reasonable rule to have. But I would not mention the discussion with the prior landlord/plaintiff, as you don't want to put a bullseye on them, when they revealed their opinions to you.

Nancy Curran · Answer

ask him to take a Myers Brigg test and mail you the results. Tell him you really like INTJ personalities. Also, tell him your tenants are expected to alternate watching your pet lamb as you travel frequently.  Have him walk away from the application thinking you are the nut. :)

Yvette M. · Answer

@Aaron K.

Reject. "Could not verify rental history/Favorable LL reference".

Prospect was obviously being shady and didn't think the judgment would show up on the background check.

How did you get the number of the plaintiff?

Michaela G. · Answer

Wow! What a horrible way to deal with tenants

Roy Oliphant · Answer

@Aaron K.

IMHO - the more specifics you give the better prepared they are for a lawsuit.  "Sorry, you did not qualify."  Nothing else is required unless you get deposed.

Aaron K. · Answer

I can see there is definitely a large spectrum of opinions on this issue. I wonder what the best approach is when keeping the Fair Housing Act in mind. Would giving them a legitimate reason for rejection give you more legal protection than withholding the reason?

Thomas S. · Answer

Professional landlords never give a reason to applicants as to why they are rejected. You simply state that you are sorry but that they do not qualify. You have no obligation to provide a reason, except in some states, and you are protecting yourself by not ever giving reasons.

Be courteous and professional by simply informing the applicant you do not provide reasons beyond the fact that they do not meet your qualifications.

@Aaron K. You need to take a more professional approach to operating your business, leave your emotions back home in your personal life. Feeling anything for a applicant or tenant is only going to make your business difficult to operate and jeopardise your chances for success. You will learn that the nicest people are often gifted con artists and usually the worst tenant on earth. Always remember applicants are not people, they are simply a collection of data and when that data does meet your standards you reject without compassion.

Scary applicant: Should I just cut contact with him?

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