Persistent Applicants how to deny?

Question

I denied 3-Co-applicants (twin brothers and a girlfriend) because they listed a pet dog and an emotional support dog and we are not accepting pets at the property. They called and asked if they could be reconsidered, as they would leave the pet dog with family. I agreed to reconsider them. I then denied them again because 1 of them had a credit score below our Minimum screening guidelines. Now they want to be reconsidered with out that co-applicant. I feel they will just bring their pet dog and one of the twins along anyways leaving me to have to sort the problem later. Do I have to legally reconsider them?

John Warren · Answer

@Rachel Williams stick to your guns on this one as these tenants sound like trouble. Tell them that you had to deny them based on credit score and this has nothing to do with the dogs. They will definitely have all the animals once they move in, and you will be sorry that you didn't stay strong. Screening tenants is the one chance you have to protect your property. Once a bad apple tenant is in then there isn't much you can do about it.

Peter Tverdov · Answer

I would stop responding. They'll get the message.

Bjorn Ahlblad · Answer

@Rachel Williams As long as you are not discriminating against a protected class in most jurisdictions you are fine especially if they do not pass posted criteria applied equally; like a credit score that does not meet your standard. You can read about the subject on Zillow and other places. Welcome to BP!

David Clay · Answer

I agree with the broad sentiment here. Stop responding. You've already denied them twice. Let it go and move on. You'll be happier. Those dogs are definitely moving in with them. You can count on that.

Bridgette Delva · Answer

Ehh, California is the worst state for eviction so you should definitely NOT put these guys in your place.  To my knowledge there aren't any CA statues that say you must accept the applicants as long as there are no violations of the Fair Housing Act.  Just deny the app on Zillow and ignore them from this point.

Rachel Williams · Answer

@Bridgette Delva yes the other two have acceptable credit scores.

Rachel Williams · Answer

@Bridgette Delva I am in California. They applied through Zillow, so yes they paid, but I believe Zillow has a membership that allows renters to apply to several properties and just pay the one membership fee.

Bridgette Delva · Answer

@Rachel Williams the first question is in what state are you located? Also, I have a few other questions: are they paying an application fee with each application? Do the other applicants have acceptable credit scores? I would agree that they would definitely all move in and have their pets as I don't trust that situation. They're just trying to tell you whatever will work to get approved.

If there are no state landlord laws that require that you rent to them then you may just tell them that you have another applicant that has stronger qualifications than they do. Or just not respond to them.  If you can't find your state landlord laws or are unclear, you may want to ask a Property Manager or an attorney for the legal requirements in your state.

Persistent Applicants how to deny?

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