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?
