To those use "INCOMPLETE" to reject...what would you do??

Question

So, to those who say they just use an application being incomplete as a way to reject an applicant you don’t want...doesn't that anger people A LOT that you didn't give them a chance to complete the application?

I have a couple where only the man applied so far. So, it’s incomplete since no wife application, plus he sent no paystubs. It’s been 3 days like that and finally today he just asked for status on the application.

The wife is a newly minted lawyer with a many years at her firm as a clerk and from pictures just looks like a difficult person. Plus when she tried to schedule a showing covered up her entire DL except for her name, when I said I needed to see the whole thing, it was her husband who scheduled the showing.  They are not in a protected class.

I’m also willing to bet that they lied about saying “no pets” on their application since the wife’s main FB picture shows 2 pets. And the husband had some significant criminal issues in his 20’s and 30’s, 20 years ago now. So, not the kind of people I want to anger. She may get all lawyerly and say I can’t prove those are her pets, or claim they are service animals or whatever. He admitted to smoking outside on the application, but our criteria doesn’t say no smoking (so people don’t see that and lie).  Plus they need to move ASAP, haven’t been where they are a year so probably breaking the lease…

I don’t like saying that we are going with someone else when I don't have anyone else good (have two other bad applications) and I really want to do a price drop right now.

What would you do???

Matthew Olszak · Answer

"Greg, your application remains incomplete for me to process; as per the advertised requirements all adults must be listed on the lease and everyone on the lease must fill out an application. Please note that I have yet to receive an application from:

1. GENEVIVE LASTNAME

Once I receive the completed application from ALL lessees, your tenancy will be considered."

If you haven't accepted an application yet, it doesn't matter that you have 2 or 10 before him in line, so don't mention it. And don't get nervous that its a lawyer...I know plenty of tenants that know more about their rights than someone fresh out of law school. They are omitting facts and backing you into a corner via their ASAP rush for a reason - its because they don't qualify.

Celena Lathrop · Answer

Going off of @Matthew Olszak's comment, you simply need to inform the prospective tenant that you cannot accept OR reject the application until you have received it in FULL, completed. You can't get into any legal trouble if you haven't rejected them. They don't need to know whether or not you have other applications yet, simply tell them you need the completed applications for both of them before you can proceed.

Matthew Olszak · Answer

@Kimberly H. I was thinking the opposite, if you tell them you have other apps pending, it could motivate them to complete their's asap. Even if they turn in a completed app, it sounds like you've got enough to decline them. I wouldn't say you accepted another person, just tell them their application was declined. No reason needed either, if they push you, say you can't disclose that as a matter of policy.

Thomas S. · Answer

If you request the additional information you will get push back and intimidation. It is clear that they do not want to provide you the information and the more you push the more you will be dealing with a lawyer which is why you do not want them. It would be easier to stall, find acceptable tenants and inform them they are declined.

I normally throw incomplete applications in the garbage and if the applicant calls I point out that the application states "incomplete applications will not be accepted".

Justin Fox · Answer

@Kimberly H.

To answer your question directly, I would copy/paste what i wrote previously into a message text or email and click the send button.  If they want to rent your place, they'll reach out to you and get all the information listed on A) your upfront criteria and B) on the application.

Them dragging their feet isn't your problem.

The dogs on FB and the criminal history aren't your problem until they successfully apply, and those issues are precisely what background checks and LL reference requirements are for.

Mike Cumbie · Answer

Hi @Kimberly H.,

To go back to your first question: "

to those who say they just use an application being incomplete as a way to reject an applicant you don’t want...doesn't that anger people A LOT that you didn't give them a chance to complete the application?"

If they are not going to be your tenant and you are not going to be entering into a professional relationship with them, they can be upset.

To reiterate @Matthew Olszak s point. It's not your job to chase them to complete an application. Even without the other adult, he did not provide paystubs or proof of employment. My response would be something like this:

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for the interest in the apartment located at 123 Mainstreet, Anytown USA 12345. We are unable to process your request until applications from all adults who will be residing on the premises as well as all supporting documentation have been received by our office.

Thank you

-Management

Then send it regular mail and make a copy of it and the envelope. If you want to go certified then go ahead and do it that way. At this point you don't have enough information to accept or reject them. You could find he makes 50X rent or she just interned for the law firm and really sells Avon for her mom who has 2 cats and makes 80K a year.

just my 2 cents and good luck!

Rich Vogel · Answer

@Kimberly H. I would just respond that I can not process your application until its complete and let them know that you process applications in the order that they come in complete.  But as a side note if you they aren't getting you the information to you in a timely manner and seem to be a pain I wouldn't give them the place anyway.

Kimberly H. · Answer

@Thomas S. Thanks for understanding that because it's a lawyer I am trying to tread lightly.

Kimberly H. · Answer

@Justin Fox I know that. That's not my question.

Justin Fox · Answer

You have to have both prospective tenants fully apply before processing the applications.  That means a completed application, all supporting documentation and payment for each adult over 18 wanting to lease the property.

It's so easy a lawyer could do it.

To those use "INCOMPLETE" to reject...what would you do??

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