Is the landlord avoiding us?

Question

My boyfriend and I have decided to move out recently, considering its affordable for us and something we both want. We looked at a place on Sunday afternoon and loved it. The owner of the apartment showed us himself. He was very nice and helpful. We all talked for a really long time and got along great. We filled out applications and credit check authorizations and other paperwork and he said he would do credit/employment checks this week. It is now Thursday and we haven't heard from him. Did he do our background check and just think we weren't good enough? My boyfriend and I have no criminal records or anything. We don't have any credit however, we've never owned credit cards. But that shouldn't be a problem, we just pay cash and debit for everything. We have money. Anyway, is he just going to ignore us and try to find someone else? Is it because we're young? Is it because we're not married? Are landlords allowed to be biased like that (if that's the case)? Would he contact us to tell us that we should move on because we're not the right choice for him or just let us figure it out ourselves? Thanks guys!

Update:

Hey guys the landlord called today and talked to my employer, who is also my dad. My dad is going to cosign month to month until the landlord sees that we can do it for ourselves. Long story short, we got the apartment! :) Thanks everyone for helping. (Even though we are young we don't fight and we aren't disrespectful. If you assume that about every young person you encounter, then you don't have very good judgement)

dog ma · Accepted Answer

Well, call him and ask. He may have a regular job in addition, he may be on vacation for spring break, he may be in the hospital.... or he may have found more qualified tenants. He may also be waiting for YOUR employers to respond to him - some only do it in writing by mail.

Just being young and unmarried shouldn't be an issue, but not having any credit is. He has no previous landlords to call, no credit bureau information to go on, so it might be a tough call. Young people who have never lived on their own have a learning curve - they often don't know basic things like not to put potato peelings down the garbage disposal, or that you have to give 30 days notice in writing. If he has better options like older more established tenants, he may not want to deal with you. But give him a call and find out.

? · Answer

Always have backup rental choices just in case - like you lose the place to someone else. 
What is your credit score?  That way you can see what landlords are seeing.

It is FREE to get a credit report once or twice a year - even if you have no credit card.  There can be unpaid debts on there you are not aware of.  Occasionally they can be  incorrect but mostly warranted.

No matter how nice someone is, they can look for tenants who have more stability.  Unmarried couples can be more of a risk than married ones and the landlord has to deal with them squabbling over who pays what if they break up.  Landlords cannot discriminate against children, disabled, race, religion or elderly.  
He can be legally biased against bad or lack of credit.  You did not say how young you are but if you lack at least 2 years work history, that often will make it difficult to rent as well.

Anonymous · Answer

You're a bad risk b/c you have no credit so no way to know whether you'll pay, you're not married so likely to break up and fairly soon probably before contract expires so another hunt for tenants, you're young and likely to be noisy either fighting or playing loud music. This is the way Lls roll and for a lot of good reasons. You responded to an invitation to treat only - not an offer - so no obligation to notify you. Offer would be lease which you execute and complete by signing next to Ll's signature.

frank · Answer

probably your credit. go get a credit card and use it like its cash.. buy what you want then pay off the next day. you need credit to do anything in life.

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Is the landlord avoiding us?

4 Answers