Re: Rental rejection

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First, what situation are you worried about getting into by
denying her application?

Second, is this a single-family residence?

Third, the Fair Housing Act and Indiana's Landlord/Tenant Act
governs these situations. The Landlord/Tenant Act typically
covers established landlord/tenant relations (i.e. already
involved in a lease). The Fair Housing Act, among other
things, sets out guidelines regarding housing discrimination,
which would be a factor in a pre-lease situation.

Usually, a landlord of a single-family residence has the right
to deny or accept anyone regardless of the reason. However, I
wouldn't recommend that you come right out and say that you're
denying an applicant because of their race, gender, religion,
alienage, or national origin.

If you have other potential applicants, then tell her that
you've chosen someone else.

I've included a link to the Indiana Landlord Tenant Statute. I
recommend that you read at least the General Provisions.

Cheers!

On 7/22/08, Helen wrote:
> Hello:
>
> A tenant indicated on a rental application that she had
> intentionally and willfully withheld rent from a previous
> landlord (this was a "yes" or "no" checkoff question). She
> wrote in a reason as landlord did not make repairs as
> requested or something like that. After this revelation we
> absolutely do not feel a need to consider her further, and
> have considered her rejected. What am we obligated to tell
> her, if anything? There is nothing on rental application
> she signed indicating we are obligated to contact her or
> give her a reason for rejection, but if she contacts us,
> what should we say?. We are in Indiana and others have
> expressed interest prior to her, and she was informed of
> this. Thank you.