About tenant selection policies
The tenant selection policy is a list of requirements a landlord will use to decide whether your application for housing is approved or denied. They might also be called rental screening policies.
Some landlords are very strict with their selection policies and other are more lenient. Most properties and property management companies have a tenant selection policy. Very small private landlord might not have one.
Where Can I Find the Policy?
These policies are usually available on the landlord or property management website. You may have to look around a bit to find them. If you cannot find them, you can also try emailing and requesting a copy.
Problem Areas
Most tenant selection have specific criteria in these areas:
🌸 Criminal background
🌸 Credit History
🌸 Income
🌸 Evictions
🌸 References
If you do not meet the criteria, you will be denied.
But Wait!!
Don’t give up hope. There may be a solution.
In some circumstances you can request an exception to these rules, so that your application will be approved even if you have past problems in these areas.
You may be eligible to request an exception if:
🌸 You are disabled or
🌸 A member of your household is disabled or
🌸 You are a survivor of domestic violence
Will I Get Approved?
Your request for an exception to the rules may or may not be approved. It will depend on your individual circumstances, the reason for the past problems, and what kind of documentation you submit.
If your documentation is correct, in some circumstances, the landlord will be legally required to still approve your application.
You can learn more about how to make these kind of requests, plus find lots of tools and tips here:
Epic Master List of Disability Accommodation Letters for Housing
Why did I get denied?
You have the right to request a copy of the screening process they used for you and the reason you were denied. here is a court case where the judge found that the tenant we can we have this right. You can use this to advocate for yourself:
https://shelterforce.org/2019/06/10/when-a-renter-with-disabilities-is-denied-housing/
Here is more information on these rights:
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1681g
and:
How to Get On 