Denied lease

[Doitupkid]

What is the name of your state? Massachusetts

I applied for an apartment a couple of weeks ago. I was told that I needed to pay 25 dollars for a credit check, that was non-refundable. After filling out the application with my boyfriend, it was handed in. The landlord told us that we would find out in the next few days whether we were approved or not. Come to find out, we were denied the apartment because of my boyfriends criminal history. I was just wondering if this was often done, and if someone can be denied an apartment because of this. Why pay for a credit check if the entire thing hangs on criminal history?

 

[ENASNI]

maybe..

If you filled out an application, this was probably a credit and reference check... so not only was past credit checked, but previous rentals and references... which are part of your credentials as a renter...
just a guess. though... others may post here.

 

[FarmerJ]

Criminal background checks are a normal part of rental application proccess and many LLs will deny a applicant who has something in a criminal background history . All you can do is be up front in the application proccess and hope that a LL will take a chance and accept the application .

 

[Fat Tony]

Or just apply in only your name in the future. Why even put your boyfriends name on the thing if he has a record?

 

[HomeGuru]

Or get a new boyfriend.

 

[nblanke688]

What is the name of your state? Massachusetts

I applied for an apartment a couple of weeks ago. I was told that I needed to pay 25 dollars for a credit check, that was non-refundable. After filling out the application with my boyfriend, it was handed in. The landlord told us that we would find out in the next few days whether we were approved or not. Come to find out, we were denied the apartment because of my boyfriends criminal history. I was just wondering if this was often done, and if someone can be denied an apartment because of this. Why pay for a credit check if the entire thing hangs on criminal history?

As a long-time landlord, I can tell you it's done all the time by smart landlords, and yes, it's perfectly legal everywhere I'm aware of. I automatically reject if the crime(s) involves violence , sex-crime, or drugs. Recently checked an applicant--he had FORTY-ONE court actions as defendant in the past 12 yrs....do YOU want him living next door to you???? If he's a sexual predator or a pedophile, do you want him next door to your CHILDREN?? (Neither do I!)
The 25 bucks pays for the checkup, and is typically non-refundable, however , that may be a cheap price to pay to find out your boyfriend is a criminal....will you like it if your daughter is dating a criminal?? These are not minor things to a landlord who wants to run a clean ship.
NB, Ohio

 

[seniorjudge]

Q: Why pay for a credit check if the entire thing hangs on criminal history?
A: Because the landlord does not want criminals living there. Simple, eh?

 

[HomeGuru]

Q: Why pay for a credit check if the entire thing hangs on criminal history?


**A: why is it that the word hangs and criminal go nicely together?

 

[Who's Liable?]

Also, I've noticed that some leases have a clause in it that basically states they can terminate the lease if they found out you lied on the application and or the lease...

 

[ENASNI]

additionally

Also, I've noticed that some leases have a clause in it that basically states they can terminate the lease if they found out you lied on the application and or the lease...

If they didn't they should.

Plus most lease/rental agreements want all the names of the residents on them. Most of the paperwork that needs to be served at some point usually needs all the people who reside there on it. ( the 3 days to dah dah dah stuff and 30/60 day thingys)
Plus if the one whos name is on everything up and moves, the no-name tenant whom the LL has no information on is gonna be hard to remove.

 

[HomeGuru]

If they didn't they should.

Plus most lease/rental agreements want all the names of the residents on them. Most of the paperwork that needs to be served at some point usually needs all the people who reside there on it. ( the 3 days to dah dah dah stuff and 30/60 day thingys)
Plus if the one whos name is on everything up and moves, the no-name tenant whom the LL has no information on is gonna be hard to remove.

**A: not really, as I always state on UD complaints language to the effect of Defendants John and Mary Smith and all occupants in posession.

 

[john123456]

Or just apply in only your name in the future. Why even put your boyfriends name on the thing if he has a record?

Another stellar recommendation by the fat dude .

 

[HomeGuru]

Another stellar recommendation by the fat dude .

**A: but that does not work in all instances. For instance I request all occupants and/or lease guarantors to fill out the exact same application and we do complete a background and credit check on all.

 

[john123456]

**A: but that does not work in all instances. For instance I request all occupants and/or lease guarantors to fill out the exact same application and we do complete a background and credit check on all.

HG, I never meant to imply it worked in any situation. My point was, the fat dude’s sole agenda on this forum is to instruct posters how to circumvent the law.

 

[HomeGuru]

HG, I never meant to imply it worked in any situation. My point was, the fat dude’s sole agenda on this forum is to instruct posters how to circumvent the law.

**A: oh, in that case keep posting. Now, can I use the john?