LEGITIMATE REASONS FOR TURNING DOWN A TENANT

[Louise Dowd]

Is excessive, visible tattooing on a prospective tenant a legitimate reason to turn him down? His appearance and mannerisms frighten me. What about a recent DUI? Would appreciate any input. Need help quick.

[Michael Rossi]

Yes, excessive tattooing, strange mannerisms, and a recent DUI are all acceptable reasons to reject the applicant. I have even refused to SHOW houses and apartments to people that looked like freaks. "FREAK" is not a protected class, yet is a VERY GOOD REASON TO DENY SOMEONE.

As to what to tell them, that's up to you. You can simply tell them that they were denied and not give a reason. You can tell them the truth - that they look like a freak (that's what I do). Telling the truth can elicit a negative response and you can expect threats and profanity if you decide to be honest.

I denied a woman just a few minutes ago because her landlord asked her to leave because she has roaches. She said that she wasn't bringing any furniture from the old rental and I told her that roaches were caused by the tenant living like a FILTHY PIG and that I don't rent to FILTHY PIGS! She didn't like it - TOO BAD! Being a filthy pig with roaches is NOT a protected class.

As an alternative to actually denying the tenant, you can use the "5 Minute Rule" to your advantage. The "5 Minute Rule" states that tenants have brains the size of a pea and therefore only have an attention span of 5 minutes. So, to take advantage of the "5 Minute Rule" in your instance, simply don't call the applicant back or don't return his phone call. Five minutes from now, he'll forget all about your rental and move on to the next landlord. As an aid to avoid talking to this freak, program his number into your phone under the name FREAK1, FREAK2, etc. That way, when your phone rings and you see the caller ID says FREAK, you'll know that you don't want to talk to this person. EASY!

Good Luck,

Mike