All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

@Account Closed I like that idea of not giving them a reason for being declined (unless required by law). I simply didn't want to accept his application and waste more time when I knew it wasn't going to work out. I felt I needed to provide my very good reason for not accepting the application.

How is that illegal? All he did was complain about everything, and that is not a protected class.

For anyone searching this topic, hoping for an answer like I was...

Trust. Your. Gut.

But if you're searching this topic, you probably already are! After I denied him and received his very nasty response, I could only think, "Bullet dodged!"

He DID end up trying to submit an application, ready to pay the fee and everything! 

Here is what I said: "Thank you for your interest in this apartment. I've been thinking about our conversation yesterday, and unfortunately, I've decided I cannot accept your application. I am looking for long term tenants that would be happy to live here, and you stated multiple times that you cannot be happy in an apartment. Good luck in your search." 

@Account Closed I wasn't aware there were phone scripts! I will have to do some searching!

Thank you everyone for your advice. IF he does call back and I do manage to think of something to say, I'll report back (for anyone else facing this dilemma). 

@Allen Fletcher Let me clarify. I'm not afraid of saying "no" on the spot. I just need a sample dialogue to say it tactfully and professionally. I can be kind of clumsy with words when speaking, so if I had a sample dialogue in my mind already, it would be easier to think of what to say. 

@Lisa Wright It's a small town. 

@Michael Seeker They seemed pretty nice on the phone, but I wholly accept that I've not perfected the "phone screening" yet! I am charging an app fee, but the problem I have is that this tenant would be my neighbor. After the initial meeting, I have reason to believe he would complain a lot, cause drama, and move out quickly. On every level, his personality just did not mix well with mine! That is why I'd rather not proceed with the app process if he does turn it in.

When showing an apartment and getting a feel for the applicant, what do you say when you *know* you do not want to do business with them based on their personality and the things they say? 

I've met a couple of applicants whose personalities I don't believe would be ideal as tenants. I handed them applications, thinking they wouldn't actually submit one. But one has indicated he would.

I need advice on what to say when he calls to say he wants to submit his application. I already know I don't want to accept him. How do I politely say, "No"? I read other advice that suggests, "I have decided to rent to another applicant," but that wouldn't work in my situation.

Thank you, @Colleen F. and @Account Closed. This has all been very helpful! I'm going to start pre-screening with all of this in mind, and I'll start following up tomorrow and hopefully figure out what's going on.

@Account Closed I think part of it is I am not properly pre-screening. Actually, that may be a big part of it. I need to explain more about the property on the phone. Are there any sample scripts for pre-screens on the phone? When I answer, some people just say, "When can I see it?" How can I gently tell them I need to learn more about them first before showing it to them? What I've been saying is, "Do you have any questions for me?" but perhaps I should also reiterate everything else on the ad.

I think I will do what you say about following up! I have not been doing that. It seems most people here prefer to communicate via calling or texting, so I would have to follow up that way. 

Thank you everyone for your advice! 

I have a vacant unit that I've been advertising for 2 weeks now - CL, Zillow network, and a sign in front of the property. It's in a small town of about 2,000 people.

I get 1-2 calls every day, and I've had quite a few showings now, but no one has submitted an application yet. Should I have had some applications by now? 

Should I lower the rent? Should I start some kind of special offer? I'm not sure if this is normal or not, as it's my first property.