You can, however, reject tenants based on their credit report, criminal history, references from other landlords, income, or any other reason that’s not part of a protected class. When rejecting a tenant, it’s best to do so in writing (email works great) so that you have evidence as to why you rejected them.

Why would a landlord decline your application?

In this case, landlords and agents can refuse the application lawfully, so it’s important to keep this in mind when leasing out property. We close with a no-brainer, as landlords can automatically refuse applications when it’s proven that the potential tenant has included false information.

Do landlords care about credit score?

Landlords look at more than just your credit score to evaluate your rental application—that’s if they factor in your credit score at all. Some landlords only look at your actual credit data, focusing on your payment history instead.

How do I reject a tenant with a low credit score?

Here are five ways to minimize your risk if you choose to rent to someone with a bad credit score:

1. Find out the reason for the bad credit score.
2. Ask for proof of income.
3. Ask for applicant’s previous rent receipts, if applicable.
4. Require more money upfront or a higher deposit.
5. Require a co-signer.

Can landlords reject based on age?

Age Discrimination A landlord cannot refuse to rent to an older person or impose special terms and conditions on the tenancy unless these same standards are applied to everyone else.

How do you tell a tenant their application is rejected?

An acceptable way to tell a prospective tenant she has been rejected is: “We apologize, but we have rejected your application. Please let us know if you have any questions.” It is best to reject a tenant in writing to prove that the rejection was communicated in a polite and timely manner.

Can a landlord discriminate based on your credit score?

Landlords can legally screen prospective tenants, based on their credit scores. This is not discrimination. But landlords cannot discriminate based on factors such as race, religion or gender.

Can you decline a tenant if they have a bad credit score?

A tenant’s credit score is a good indicator of their financial history. If they have a bad or lower credit score than you require, or one that makes you feel uneasy renting to them, you are legally allowed to decline their application based on this.

Can a landlord decline a tenant’s rental application?

The most important thing to remember when declining a tenant’s rental application is that you must do so fairly, professionally, and legally. Your reason (s) for denying a tenant’s rental application must follow federal guidelines determined by the Fair Housing Act.

What happens if a tenant does not authorize a credit report?

The Tenant Does Not Authorize a Tenant Credit Report and Background Check If you have a thorough screening process in place, then you are requiring a tenant credit report and background check. If your tenant doesn’t authorize the tenant credit report and background check, then you can immediately reject him or her.