A gut feeling about a prospective tenant

[Gerardo Lewis]

Hi Bp, 

So i have a prospective tenant for my rental and she has been really really interested in the place. Only problem is I haven't verified income yet but I feel like she won't be able to afford the place mainly because of stories she's told me already and that she had to borrow the money (first last and security) just to get in. I still am treating her like everyone as to not discriminate but if i cross the bridge of having to deny her. How do I word that in the letter to her? Is there some trick to the trade I haven't learned yet?

[Nathan Gesner]

I tell people what my screening process is and the basic qualifications. I have detailed qualification requirements on my web site for them to review (they rarely do). If they still decide to apply, I run them through the wringer and either approve or deny. I don't waste my time talking with prospective renters a lot because they will eat up my time. I show it, I let them know my criteria, and I leave the ball in their court.

Another favorite of prospective tenants is to submit part of the application. I don't keep calling them or emailing them asking for the rest of their documentation or to pay the fee. I tell them that up front and they can either follow directions and apply according to my simple instructions or they can lose the opportunity to rent.