Rejecting applicants

[Eric S.]

I just read 4 Warning Signs of High Risk Tenants. Great article!

I am under the impression that when a tenant applicant applys (fills out forms, background check) that you cannot reject them for any reason and keep looking for "someone better". Is this true?

[Michele Fischer]

We process applications in the order received, running with the first one until we hit a roadblock, and moving down the line. We use a point system. They have to get 100 points initially or we reject them. Then we start verifying data and they lose or gain points. If they fall below 100 points they are rejected, if they are over 130 they are offered the unit, if they are 100-130 it is our judgement to put them in a holding pattern to see if we can get a higher point candidate. You need established criteria that don't change from the first to last applicant in a cycle, you need to apply it consistently, and don't take into consideration any of the protected classes/discrimination issues.