It's been awhile since I've seen us do a list of what you consider, hard and fast denial criteria....as in, "No way would I rent to this person." Let's assume for now they don't have a millionaire grandma who will co-sign for them.

A few of mine:

1) Unpaid judgment from past eviction or more than 1 eviction.

2) Bad mouths their past land lord.

3) Sex offenders.

4) Violent felons.

Recorded (or self-confessed) evictions have moved to the top of my list because over the past few years, I've seen how easy it is to avoid them! A little cooperation, a little communication goes a long way to avoid papers, court, the sheriff and a record.

- any foreclosure, ever

- any bankruptcy, ever

- any eviction, ever

- any eviction or non-payment filing in court, ever

- any repossession, ever

- any misdemeanor or felony , ever

- changes their mind about moving in at the last minute before signing lease, and then says negative things about my property. I posted about someone who did this when they found a better deal. I guess that deal fell thru because a couple months later, they emailed another property of mine. Then a year later, emailed about yet another property. Ignored all of them

Dis-ing ME, or seeing him abuse (verbal or otherwise) his wife/children during the viewing.

Having more than 2 pets (I allow 2)

Bankruptcy

Repossessions

Felonies within 10 Years

Drug Offenses within 10 Years

EVICTIONS

Judgements

We are lenient towards any unpaid medical, Student loans that are not in default, DUIs more than 5 Years. We try to help those that need a hand up and stay away from those that are looking for a hand out!

Anything along the lines of this:

Pregnant Young Mom (Augusta ga)

Lynda, I actually had a Tenant Prospect diss my rental ( ** sight unseen **).

Tenant Prospect's initial email, responding to my online ad:

"Hello, I'd like to see your dump later today or tomorrow."

Me (Which I later regret responding, but I was so incensed at the time by this revolutionary insurgent demagogue.):

"I'm sure that you'll find that ideal rental of your dreams in no time at all!"

Tenant Prospect: "Does that mean you won't show me the rental?"

Realizing and sizing up a potential Fair Housing violation, I quickly scheduled a showing time for the next day, in conjunction with 2 other interested parties. And yes, the young punk did show up. (And I consequently behaved myself ...)

Dan -

Why even reply to that?

If a tester, "sorry - I must have missed that email."

As for me - I don't rent to smokers. Period. We now say no smoking (including tobacco, MJ, vaping, hooka) in or around the property. I don't care if you smoke outside - we don't take smokers. If you show up and reek of smoke? You can apply, but you are wasting your $$ since you don't pass our first inspection.

No show for the appointment and then calls later with some flimsy excuse.

Weak kneed sonny boy brings mom or mom and dad to appointment. This can also be a daughter. There is also hovering and odd comments from son or daughter.

1) Liars

2) Lawyers (assuming they weren't already filtered in #1)

3) not having 3X rent in steady income

4) anyone who says "work with me"

Not denials but "must haves."

Must be able to open a bank account at my bank. Solves the problem of bad banking history.

Screening makes or breaks a LL, no doubt about that!

Am still reeling from an old working LL letting folks move in without collecting rent or the SD.

1) Any false or misleading statement on the application.

2) Pit-bulls or any vicious breed of dog.

3) Partying on Facebook

4) Running down their present or previous LL

5) Any felony or violent crime

1) Any false or misleading statement on the application.

2) Pit-bulls or any vicious breed of dog.

3) Partying on Facebook

4) Running down their present or previous LL

5) Any felony or violent crime

I've enjoyed this thread! It's been along time since I've visited Mr. Landlord. As always, I thought, gee all the entries from other states don't have much relevance to MD. However, I'm quickly reminded by all your comments that this is sooo educational. We forget that the way our city or state rules is not the only way it is done! This is critical because if US citizens don't make these comparisons, take notice and action in their local governments, our states will become more like Ontario.

The CCW discussion, and Ron's education on PA's move from "may issue" to "must issue" is very encouraging! Our rights dwindle when we are passive.

As for LLing, you reminded me that I should have noticed the red flag of my current "unhappy tenant." She was "unhappy" with her previous LL!!! I had let down my skills down due to the use of tenant placement service for a few years. I failed to heed that red flag! Tenant's prior rental office passed her off as reasonable in her concerns, likely to get rid of her! Now MY nightmare!

Thank you each for posting.

One of my most important screening tools:

Me: "How soon do you need the apartment? "

Tenant Applicant: "As soon as possible!"

Sid,

This is a great list!

Should be taught to every new LL.

My new application will have a checklist at the top something like:

If any of these apply to you, don't bother applying

___ evicted

___ sex offender

etc etc

BRAD

All is well and looks good on paper.

Then.....Can owner replace windows before I move in? Can we take down the covered patio? and on and on.....

Entitled! Demanding! Done!