All Forum Posts by: Aaron K.

Russell, is that a joke? Do you think they're going to take their 3 foot glass bong out to the front porch? And anyway, I just want them gone. They have been too much of a problem.

So you recommend sending them a notice of non-renewal rather than trying to enforce the non-smoking policy?

Oh also, they are on a month-to-month rental agreement, and it forbids smoking.

I have smelled it on multiple occasions, and I have another witness who has smelled it. I have had other problems with these tenants and it may be time for me to find new ones. Of course, I want as little trouble as possible. What is the smoothest course of action? In the unlikely event that they sue me, how would this play out in court considering I have no evidence other than my word?

Is there a background check service out there that doesn't require the applicant's email address? I have them fill out a paper application as there are many people in my area who don't do computers.

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?

Yvette, I put the plaintiff's name and address into whitepages.com to get their number. 

Rob, there was no application fee - those are totally unheard of in my area!

So I ended up telling him. He told me that the suit was because he sold his mobile home, which was on rented land, the new owners didn't move into it, and the land owner (the plaintiff) thought he was responsible for rent. The plaintiff told me that it was part of the lease that if he sold the mobile home, it has to be moved off her lot.

I told him he's a great guy and I'd love to make an exception for him, but my business has a strict rule. I feel guilty for turning him down. He really seems like a genuinely good guy.

Normally I DO tell people why they don't qualify. But I feel like this is a special case. I just don't want to be harassed.

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.

I'm using ezlandlordforms.com and I found they have a roommate addendum just for this purpose!