Can I reject a tenant after initial approval?

[Lisa Thiessen]

I am a fairly new landlord and don't have a lot of experience with tenant interactions. I met a potential tenant yesterday who balked at every requirement (extra rent for his pet, paying for the credit check/background search, online rent payment). Ultimately he agreed to pay for the credit check and background search and I approved his application despite his borderline credit score and marginal reference from his current landlord. When I sent the approval letter with details about utilities, move in date, and the requirement of renter's insurance, he outright refused to purchase renter's insurance. I told him that was just not negotiable for us. I offered to refund the cost of the credit report (that he paid directly to the property management platform that I use) and thought that would be the end of our interaction. Now he says he will comply with renter's insurance requirement. Basically, he just seems difficult to deal with. We have not yet signed a lease. Am I under any obligation to rent this place to him?

[Ned J.]

If you haven't had him sign anything or hand over deposits etc then....NOPE. You can terminate the oral agreement any time you want. You have no signed contract or $$ exchanged so you are still able to bail...same as if he wanted to bail...

Be truthful but vague..... "after full consideration of your application and my requirements, I feel that this relationship will not be a good fit for either party. I have enclosed a full refund of you application fee. I wish you luck on your continued search".....

Bye Felicia.....