In order to avoid complaints regarding unethical business practices, we recommend you screen your applicants one at a time, and accept the FIRST qualified applicant.

When you accept a non-refundable application fee from someone, they assume they have at least a chance of being accepted for the unit. However, if you have only one vacancy and screen several applicants, you have accepted money from people to whom you know you will not be renting.

Another problem arises when you "compare" applicants to decide which is best. You may be tempted to use subjective criteria when making your final decision. This can leave you vulnerable to discrimination complaints and possible lawsuits.

Here's what we suggest. When you take an application for your unit, let the applicant know what "position" they are in. If they are first, tell them if the application meets your pre-determined standards, it will be accepted. If not, the application will be declined, but the screening fee is non-refundable in either case. If the applicant is second (or third, etc.) in line, tell them their application will only be processed if the applicant (or applicants) ahead of them are declined. If you do not process them, return their screening fee.

If someone wishes to apply for your unit, you should always accept their application. But you may explain to them that there are already several applications ahead of theirs, and their odds aren't very good at getting the unit. NEVER keep screening money for an application you did not process.

It is always appropriate to "pre-screen" applications before sending them to Rental Research. Take a minute to look over the information. Did they fill in all the blanks? Does the income they have listed meet your requirements? Have they marked yes to the questions regarding criminal and eviction history? It's also a good idea to discuss your credit standards with them. If they indicate their credit history will not meet your criteria, they may not wish to spend money on a non-refundable application fee.

When you submit your application for screening, let us know if you have others waiting. We'll give your applicant priority status and get the results back to you as soon as possible!