Is this normal? Landlord is asking for “offers” because he has many qualified applicants?

Question

So last weekend, I saw an apartment that I really liked. In the listing, the apartment had a $200 discount that was applied 19 days after the listing went up (or on 3/30, 1 week ago).
I told the realtors that I was interested and would like to submit an application in. They told me that I should do it by the end of the day since the landlord has a lot of applicants and would like to view them all at the same time. So I did that, and today I received a text from the realtor that the landlord has received multiple applicants for the unit and is asking all applicants for their best offer by the end of the day. The realtor even asked if I could pay the full price before the $200 discount, since the discount was applied due to COVID.

Is this normal? While I can pay more, something seems off.

SCATTY c · Accepted Answer

Yes, heard of this happening before. If there are lots of prospective tenants and a shortage of suitable rentals, it's a landlords market and he can afford to be choosy. In this case accepting the one willing to pay the highest rent.

At the end of the day, it's how much you want the place and how much you want to pay for it.

curtisports2 · Answer

It is not common, but there is nothing illegal about it.  In overheated markets with shortages of suitable housing, there can be bidding wars for rentals just as there are with homes for sale. The decision is yours to make.  Call their bluff or take part in the bidding process.

Barry · Answer

As the guy is a greedy bastard I would walk away.

Landlord365 · Answer

Not normal (at least not in my area) but also not suspicious or illegal.

Anonymous · Answer

It's unusual, but I don't see anything wrong with it.  It's his property and he can pretty much rent it out however he wants.  If you really want it, I'd add the $200 discount to the rent and then a nominal amount above that, like $220.  That would help if someone assumes they're the only one willing to pay the extra $200.

LadyMerton · Answer

Personally I wouldn't do it. They could do this again when your lease up.
The listing never stated anything about " Best Offer"?  sounds shady to ask for a "bribe"

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Is this normal? Landlord is asking for “offers” because he has many qualified applicants?

6 Answers