What do you say when applying to rent a place?

[momof2ms]

Do you say on the application the reason you are looking is due to getting divorced? Is this OK to do or could it bite me in the ass?



I have an excellent credit score, and I've been living in the same house for 10 years so it sort of begs the question as to why I need a rental now all of a sudden.

[glynn]

That is what I said... I had also owned for 15 years so it was kinda strage to be stepping back.

[Deleted]

Oh. I've never had a rental ask me why I was renting. I wouldn't put divorce. I would just be all "selling my current residence". They'd see a foreclosure on your credit report so it's not weird.

I also put "single" on patient info sheets at the dr. I don't see how me being divorced vs single affects how my body works. I do understand it in a mental health situation but not for treating my acid reflux or scar revision...

[carowen]

I'd probably put selling, or even just moving.

[read247]

DH is a landlord and I don't think he's ever asked, in 20 years, why a prospective tenant is looking to rent. He figures they need a place to live. As long as they provide a credit history that meets his stated requirements and have the necessary references, he couldn't care less why you're looking to move in. Honestly, if someone did ask you I'd probably just say you were selling your home...the reason why is really irrelevant to a landlord as long as you're earning enough to pay your rent and are not in foreclosure.

[abcdefu]

Jun 10, 2016 12:42:31 GMT -5 @lemonlover said:

Oh. I've never had a rental ask me why I was renting. I wouldn't put divorce. I would just be all "selling my current residence". They'd see a foreclosure on your credit report so it's not weird.

I also put "single" on patient info sheets at the dr. I don't see how me being divorced vs single affects how my body works. I do understand it in a mental health situation but not for treating my acid reflux or scar revision...

I'm glad you stated this because I do the same. When people ask me, I always say I'm single. I always wondered if other people did that too! Maybe it's just us!

[jigsy]

I've seen it a few times, I always leave it blank or check other. Because why does it matter? lol

[jenstar]

I think I got this question on my application when we moved. I just wrote it was due to separation. I don't think it's anyone's business though really.

[dancelnow]

I told them due to a divorce. It bought me some sympathy so they took extra good care of me and pushed my application through extra fast. And I needed to explain my mortgage situation since I didn't meet the income requirements if I was still seen as responsible for the whole mortgage.

[littlemisssunshine]

As a property manager my application does ask why you are leaving your current residence. It's helpful info to gauge what kind of tenant you'll be and if you'll be a good fit for my rental. Are you moving because of a divorce? Completely understandable. Moving because your neighbor's cat annoys you and your rental history is 3 different houses in 3 years? I probably don't want you. But disclosing a divorce is no big deal and no reason for concern.