Pre-screening: can you deny sending an application based on pre screen Q's?

[Stephanie Cruz]

Hi everyone! I'm going to be a first-time landlord in Arkansas :)

I'm in the process of pre-screening applicants BEFORE sending them an application where they would pay for the background check. One applicant mentioned their desired move-in date in 9 months in the future but that move-in date is way too far from our earliest move-in date (2 months from now). 

Question: Is it legal to deny sending them an official application if their desired move-in date is too far away? I feel as if it's better to deny them at this stage before they even pay for an application.

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Stephanie Cruz:

You do not need to send them anything for a verbal pre-screening. Just tell them they won't meet your criteria or cut off communication. It looks like this:

THEM: I wouldn't be ready to rent this for six months.

ME: I'm sorry, but we are not holding the property vacant for more than two weeks. You can rent it now and then move in six months later, or you can come back in six months to see if it's still available.

Here is another example regarding pets.

THEM: I have four quarter horses, two miniature ponies, six dogs, two cats, and a raccoon that never leaves it's cage. I'm willing to pay for the full year in advance.

ME: I'm sorry, but we clearly said in our marketing that this third-floor apartment has a no-pet policy. Thanks for calling.

If they fill out a written application, then you will send them a written denial.

You don't have to process the entire application, either. If they fill out the application and the first thing you see is that they have 17 pets, you can immediately deny them without wasting time checking landlord references, running a credit/criminal background, etc.

[Stephanie Cruz]

Thanks, Nathan! This was a written pre-screening. They filled out an inquiry form on a listing site that mentioned their desired move-in date. 

[Ryan Blackstone]

Yes. I just tell them, they can apply but it is probably not worth their time and money because I wont be able to hold the property vacant for that long. If someone else can rent out sooner, then I am going to go that direction. 

[Stephanie Cruz]

Thanks, Ryan!