Denied after background check

[INeedHousingHlp]

What is the name of your state? NC

I recently went through a walkthrough and application process for a high end apt complex. During the walkthrough I explained that there were a few misdemeanors in my record that would show up in the background check and I explained what they were and told the property manager that I didn't want to waste her time or mine applying if it would cause a problem. She told me it wouldn't and we went through the app process and I paid the security deposit.

A few days later I received a letter from her explaining that my application was denied because of the background check. It came as a huge surprise to me since I made a point to talk with her before I signed anything or paid any money. In the interim to paying the security deposit I cancelled my current lease, so I am sort of stuck without a place to live and I was looking for advice.

The crimes on my record include disorderly conduct for flipping off a sherriff when I was in high school, and a larceny/vandalism charge from an incident in college involving alcohol and some friends which resulted in the sideview mirrors getting ripped off someone's car. I explained these to the property manager up front so there wouldn't be any surprises.

Since I received the denial letter I wrote her an email to ask her to reconsider, and I included a letter that I had to write a few years ago to the NC Real Estate Commission that described all the charges when I was applying for my real estate license. (I own a couple rental properties)

Is there anything else I can do to proactively help this situation? If not now, for the next property I try to rent? I would like to think that having long term employment, property ownership, and actively volunteering in the community would be enough to get people to look beyond past mistakes, but I also understand the landlord's perspective in not taking any risks when it comes to the community they are responsible for.

I know the simple answer is to just try elsewhere, but there really isn't anywhere quite like the place I want to live in in our area.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you for your help.What is the name of your state?

[Alaska landlord]

Try offering twice the SD and one month in advance. Too bad about your history, when you're young and stupid you don't think that it will ever catch up to you.

[Hot Topic]

{Quote}A few days later I received a letter from her explaining that my application was denied because of the background check. It came as a huge surprise to me since I made a point to talk with her before I signed anything or paid any money. In the interim to paying the security deposit I cancelled my current lease, so I am sort of stuck without a place to live and I was looking for advice. {Unquote}


The property manager's acceptance of your application was overturned by the owner, which he or she has the right to do unless it's for a reason that violates state or Federal law.

I was once led to believe I was going to get an apartment in a particularly nice building. The manager even picked out a move in date for me. I ended up calling and calling about my application. No one, including the manager, returned my calls or responded to my email. The building was sold, and the new owners hired new property managers who are now being sued by the city. I figure that the new owner wanted to raise the rents, so my interest in the apartment at the prior rent was conveniently ignored. The managers got their higher rent, plus a lawsuit, and I ended up getting a better apartment at a lower rent.

I'm sorry, but if they don't want you, they don't want you. There's a place out there with your name on it. You just haven't found it yet.

[INeedHousingHlp]

I sort of figured it may be hopeless.

From talkin to the property manager she said it was all up to her, which is why it came as such a surprise.

Hopefully my email gets her to change her mind, I really dont want to purchase anything else at this point.

I'm pretty sure this state doesn't have any laws against denials if it isn't related to race, sex, or a disability.

[CA LL]

Many LL's won't rent to anyone who has a past of crimes against persons OR property.

They have every right to deny your application.

FYI..records of MINORS (under 18) are usually sealed but of course the college charges would be there.

You should never "act" until you have an "offer to rent" and something in writing...this in reference to you saying you "canceled your current lease" which is also worrisome if it was a fixed term lease and you "canceled" it before the termination date. Did you mean MTM rental agreement instead with proper notice?

Many PM's will try and place just about ANYBODY into the units so they get their $$$...obviously the owner wants and last say here and they have every right to...

I would not rent to anyone with a larcency/vandalism conviction..crimes against people OR PROPERTY are a big NO for me.

[CA LL]

Originally Posted by INeedHousingHlp

Hopefully my email gets her to change her mind, I really dont want to purchase anything else at this point.

You are barking up the wrong tree..the PM has likely been overruled and rightfully so. Why would you want to rent somewhere that does not want you? And a bit confused by the comment, I really don't want to PURCHASE anything else at this point? What are you PURCHASING? You are renting. A big difference there.

[FarmerJ]

You wrote this >>>>>>>>I own a couple rental properties)< SO take what ever you can get on a month to month basis and plan on moving into one of your own units as soon as a you are able to tell the current tenant in writting according to the term of there lease that they have to move. Then move into one of your own units, You might even gain a property tax credit if your state has different rates for owner occupants.

[CA LL]

Oh.now the purchase thing makes sense to me I guess..I missed that you owned two rentals the first time..but..seems odd that a LL would not own their own place as well.

If/since you are a LL, I would think you would fully understand their decision to not rent to you. Well..good luck.

[Cvillecpm]

Admitting past problems was the BEST idea; however, most landlords would say it was not a problem UNTIL they actually SAW what the "problems" were whether criminal or credit wise.

As a landlord you should have KNOWN that you should NOT have cancelled your current lease until YOU SIGNED THE LEASE on your new place.

Buy another property to live in or talk to your current landlord about staying.