Accepted an applicant but have another

[Kirk Olson]

This past weekend I informed a family that they were accepted according to my criteria, and that all we needed to do now was collect the security deposit, first months rent, and sign the lease then they could move in. Well my screw up I didn't ask them when they planned on moving in prior to all of this, I know I'm still learning and have realized my BIG mistake.

The question is I have another interested party who wants to move in tomorrow or the next day. Assuming they pass my criteria/checks I would prefer that since my rental has been vacant for a month. I have emailed and called the accepted party telling them they were accepted and the next steps and they have not gotten back to me in the last three days letting me know when they intend to do this. Am I able to screen another possible tenant and accept them and have them move in even though I already accepted someone else?

[Jon Holdman]

My process is that the first one to sign a lease and pay me the full deposit and one full months rent gets the property. I make that clear when I tell them I've accepted the application. Usually, they want to sign the lease or at least give me a hold deposit right away. If they don't, I repeat that the first person to actually pay gets it and that I will continue to market the place and accept applications until someone does. Acceptance of their application doesn't guarantee they get it. money does.

You say you've called and e-mailed with no response. I think they're blowing you off because they don't want it and aren't willing to say that directly to you. I would move ahead with screening the new applicants. If they are acceptable, tell them the same thing. I would make one last call to the previous applicants and leave a message saying "I have another accepted application. If I don't hear from you by I will let these other folks have it. Call me ASAP." No call, they lose.