"Since when does my personal credit have anything to do with renting??"

Funny story of the day:
Applicant gets denied for bad credit.
Applicant says "since when does my personal credit have anything to do with renting??"
Us: "Wait... WHAT????"

That credit was when I was young and stupid. I am responsible now.

Denied Applicant: “Are you serious dude, you’re denying me because I being evicted? That property manager is an a-hole... Where am I supposed to live...”

That’s my favorite!! Trash tenant blaming the property manager for their situation. I had a tenant ask for an apology yesterday bc I provided an honest rental verification (she has paid late every single month and we’ve filed on her 2x. She also decided to get a dog without permission and thinks she can let it run wild in the community). My exact words to her were - I can only provide the information that I have. You made your bed and you can lie in it”. I’m not apologizing - have nothing to apologize for - I’m just doing my job and it’s not my fault or my problem that she hasn’t done hers. It’s not our job to teach her how to handle finances!

But I was counting on moving in tomorrow. Why can’t I have it? What’s my credit got yo do with anything!?!

But I have my security deposit and first months rent, still looking for a job though.

You guys don't have an additional deposit program for poor or young credit applicants? We very rarely ever deny anyone based solely on their credit score, granted yes it has happened, but not frequently

If they meet the rental qualifications but have a credit score under 650, we charge a double deposit (2 months rent). I’ve only had one person ever accept this and move forward. It was during tax refund season so they had the funds. Even people with good credit complain about having to pay deposit and rent to move in (like this is a new concept lol)

I don't understand why applicants lie to themselves as if it will magically make the lie true. "I have excellent credit, what do you mean I failed due to credit? My score is in the high 700s!" Meanwhile I'm looking at 2 repossessions, $50k in credit card debt, and $5k owed to other apartment communities. Smdh

That’s my favorite line... “oh I’m not worried about my credit. It’s excellent! I just need a place to live like yesterday!” *runs their credit* *owes money to properties*

Yeah...I denied someone yesterday, his credit wasn't the greatest but he needed a decent landlord reference. According to him, he has been at the same place for 10 years. The landlord's name is "Bobby" with a gmail address. We looked it up and his address is an apartment community who said he withdrew an application 3 years ago and that's all.....funny when you sign off that we can check your previous landlord what comes out.

I honestly think what's on the report is more important than the score. I had 800 credit until my divorce. I now have a lower credit score but have paid $3,000/mo in rent for 6 yrs never late.

Activists are pushing to make it where landlords cannot check credit, evictions, or criminal records

Your are right Robert! Qualification Standards are beginning to change across the country. Keep in mind, there are are also several changes to legislation for expungement of eviction records too - including Florida. So, check with your local apartment association, or government affairs committee for the specific legislation impacting your area.

I love the ones that come in an say"I need an apartment do you have anything available"
Me: No sorry but you may fill out an application us
Appli: Yeah but I need one now I was evicted and I have to get out
Me: oh I'm sorry
Appl: Yeah I told them I should be able to catch up when I get a job
Me: oh I'm sorry you lost your job
Appl: oh I didn't I quit I didn't like starting so early in the morning you know with my kids and all
Me: how early did you have to be at work 8:00 but I had to get up earlier then that
Me: (yeap I stepped over the line) I ask well how much were you behind
Appl: oh we are only about 3 1/2 mos but I ain't paying them nothing now
Me: I can offer you an application but at this time that is all I can do
Appli: Y'all are all alike

Some people just don’t understand how life works

Hilarious and sad they really don’t know the answer!

Honestly though, I don't have the best credit but I'll starve before I'm homeless, divorce, and life happens.

Since we extend you "credit" by breaking your lease into 12 monthly payments and don't charge you interest.

If the credit score is the only issue, we will ask for a guarantor, an accessible bank account with a year's rent shown for the last 3 months or they can pay the year upfront. Getting an extra deposit does not make up for the 6 months they couldn't pay because they don't know how to handle money.

up to a point I agree with the sentiment. If someone has several years of perfect rental history, but a low credit score-why not approve them ? What does paying off a credit card have to do with paying rent? Most people will pay their rent before other bills. The whole point of the credit screening is to make sure they are able and most likely to pay their rent. If they have rented other places for 5 years and never been late what does a 550 credit score mean? It means you will more that likely get paid first.

yes, and they are doing it because many properties are massively unreasonable with their screening criteria

Reasonable? Unreasonable? The fact of the matter is that an apartment complex has owners, they OWN it!! aka PRIVATE Property. Owners of anything should have the right to decide the risk level that they are willing to take. People seem to forget the private property concept. It seems that too many people think that if they want IT (It is almost anything) they are entitled to IT, then someone else is "obligated" to to give it to them... entitlement without any responsibilty or effort. Sad to see hard work, diligence and ethics being forgotten

I understand being frustrated but that is an unprofessional response.