When can a landlord deny a rental application?

The correct answer emphasizes that a landlord can deny a rental application based on objective criteria related to the applicant's financial reliability and rental history. Poor credit history may indicate a risk of unpaid rent or financial instability, while an eviction history directly reflects past tenancy issues that could lead to future problems. Additionally, failure to verify employment results in uncertainty about the applicant's ability to pay rent consistently, which is a legitimate concern for landlords when selecting tenants.

In contrast, considerations such as personal preference or discrimination are prohibited by fair housing laws, meaning a landlord cannot deny an application based on arbitrary reasons or characteristics not directly related to the rental agreement. Similarly, factors such as a tenant's age or income level should not be used as valid reasons for denial unless they are directly tied to the tenant's ability to fulfill the lease obligations. Location of previous rental properties does not provide sufficient grounds for denial, as it does not reflect an applicant's current financial or rental responsibility.