Went to the PO Box yesterday -- had postage due mail from a prospective tenant who failed to put sufficient postage on the envelope when mailing the application back (our application and related documents are about 6-7 pages long).

This has happened quite a few times in the past. The envelope had no return address, so it could not be sent back to the sender. I told the clerk to just throw it away.

I figured that if they are not smart enough to put sufficient postage on an envelope, and NO return address, then I don't want them as a tenant.

I suppose I could change our application to remind the dummies to put sufficient postage on the envelope and their return address.

Maybe a knee jerk response, but I am tired of babysitting everyone.

Here's is what happens: it might still WEIGHT the first-class rate for a letter, but the USPS has enacted rules that if the ENVELOPE is not totally flat, postage rates go up. I got one the other day - tenant was returning a key, very lightweight - but it made the envelope lumpy, so we had to pay $2.15 postage due to get it.

Sure, it’s a babysitting thing, but, could you advise applicants to use X amount of postage? . I see greeting cards that have an envelope marked ‘extra postage required’.

It would be a shame to lose an otherwise great tenant over such a minor thing. How many of us even mail much of anything these days?

what if there was a cash app fee in there?

Several times I've taken applicants who are challenged because of their forgetfulness, stupidity and laziness. These were high-paid professionals who are excellent in their fields but in life, could navigate themselves from a pot hold 1/2 an inch deep.

They waited until the 11th hour to find another rental because the property they were living in was sold. I get a call at 7 PM, they needed to move over the weekend -- 1 day way.

Once they pass my requirements and pay their move in costs in cash up front -- they will be my tenant for life......Not able to

I had a new tenant try to mail this month's rent with the envelope included in his utility bill. While the envelope had a window for the delivery address on the bill stub , the envelope had a preprinted barcode below that window.

So while the tenant wrote in the current address to the left of the window, the automated processing equipment read the barcode and sent the mail to the utility company where it was opened then stapled back up.

Annie,

Ya know I love ya, but I gotta tell you...you broke the law.

This is reason #39 why we don’t allow USMail.

My Gen X and Millennial children do not have stamps. And schools don't teach letter writing/ addressing etiquitte.

I have weighed letters on my digital scale, applied appropriate postage, carried it to the PO and their scale said it needed more postage.

LLing is a service business and a people business. Gotta have patience because they seem to getting dumber every day. Don’t let petty issues get in the way of your income.

My biggest concern is you refused their app and denied them without even looking at it. That’s illegal, raw meat to the Fair Housing watchdogs.

Yes someone will bark at me that lack of postage is not a protected class but you must have a documentable reason the deny. The Fair Housing judge would drag you thru the wringer and cost you thousands in legal fees to defend yourself. I’m estimating a $10,000 fine.

I HIGHLY suggest you get that app out of the trash and process it.

And no more mail. Have them take a pic with their phone and text it to you. Done without delays.

Better fix this before they find out.

I agree you SHOULD not have to help with this...but if you WANT to...