Just this one Sunday morning, I, single-handedly, have made two different prospects quit smoking, possibly extending their lives and quality of life!

There’s a reason I don’t publish my criteria because when they know the answers to the test, they lie. These two people filled out my questionnaire, got an automated email rejecting them, then filled the form out again with the “right” answers but at least one of them was smart enough to use a different email address the second time.

Amen. I had one prequal and said they "smoke/vape outside only" Of course no one ever says "yes." They say they smoke/vape outside only.

So I had an agency call me to say "I have a client who would like to rent from you" She didn't know that I this trainwreck client had already filled out my prequal. I referred back and said "sorry they already prequaled and they stated they smoke vape"

Well the caseworker said "the adult daughter stopped smoking/vaping a month ago." I still said "no" and she called me a "unprofessional."

Fast forward to this year. Saw her in eviction court when I was there to observe. She was squatting in another apt of same unit to avoid eviction.

I ask this question on my pre qual as well and you know some lie because (if they get to the appointment part) they show up and all you can smell is cigarette smoke (ick).

LOL! Yeah, I love those.

I've also had some whose income miraculously doubled in 2 minutes : o

I ask a multiple choice question regarding smoking: no, inside, or outside only.

I don't allow ANY. Yes, it's a trick question.

One person emailed me back after being rejected and complained with capital letters and exclamation points that it's not fair to punish them for telling the truth.

Funny thing is, the only email they had was the one in the ad, so all they got as a reply was another automated opportunity to complete the pr-qual questionnaire.

BTW, Jason & other VA landlords:

At a recent VRLTA update, I learned there is a group in Richmond trying very hard to get legislation to require us to disclose in advertising what our qualification criteria are.

My application asks if they smoke and states that some places are smoke free.

Those places that aren't are only because the tenants grandfathered in before we changed policy.

I still got a couple who admitted to smoking. At least one stated he only smoked outside. They never realize that as soon as you open the door the smoke usually gets pulled in anyhow.

I smoked for years. I won't stand on a soap box and say to all that they must stop. It was tough for me and took an injury to finally get me to stop.

We have pre-set rejection emails telling them why. Since most of mine are rejected for income, they sometimes fill out the form again claiming more income of exactly the right amount. Or they offer a co-signer (we don't take them) or they say they have always paid their rent and I'm wrong for not taking the best tenant ever.

Jason,

Impressive! that your simple form takes the place of a 12 step program in just moments! Without even talking to them!

Counselors not needed.

The American Lung Society should hiring you today.