Multiple Applicants

[William R.]

I have two available apartments in a triplex. All applicants are interested in the same unit. How would you recommend proceeding. Unfortunately several of them feel like they are entitled to the unit for some reason. It is a large apartment so it is attracting students.

Questions:

1. Is it legal to select tenants based on them having fewer occupants?

2. Can I ask all of them to bring their best and highest offer? haha

3. I believe one set of tenants will also be quieter, can I discriminate based on that belief? Considering there is a young family with baby in an adjacent unit.

Thanks!

[Marcia Maynard]

Considering all applicants meet your minimum criteria, think about which tenant is most likely to pay rent on time, take care of the property, keep the place clean, not cause a noise disturbance, and not bring drama to the property. You want to pick someone that is cooperative and with whom you can have good rapport. It usually works out best if the prospective tenant clearly understands what kind of place they need, sees that your place meets that need, and intends to stay long term.

Rent should be set in advance and advertised as such. Never heard of renting to the highest bidder! But do let the applicants know you have many qualified applicants from which to choose. Process the application that seems the most promising first.

As far as students go... I like graduate students better than undergrad because they tend to be more mature and focus on studying more than entertaining guests. They also tend to stay for the length of their graduate program instead of wanting to move at the end of the school year. Roommates who haven't lived in a shared housing situation before or haven't lived with each other before, are more likely to split up and end the tenancy early.

More people in a unit will put more wear and tear on a place. Also more potential for noise and conflict between the parties, as well as the need for more parking. Two people per bedroom is a common standard for maximum occupancy. HUD adds one to that. I prefer to rent a unit to fewer people, but if I advertise it as maximum two people per bedroom, I will accept up to that number.