# How to say no to this prospective tenant **URL:** \ **Category:** Landlord Discussion\ **Created:** [4 May 2025 15:06 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819 "2025-05-04T15:06:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Niteowl](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/niteowl/32/9284_2.png) [@Niteowl](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Niteowl)\ **Post date:** [4 May 2025 15:06 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/1 "2025-05-04T15:06:13Z")
I had a prospective tenant, who, at first seemed promising, but on him viewing the property, revealed he has debt, once I had advised him I would be doing a tenant check via Openrent. He then revealed his current landlord is dealing with cash-in-hand rent and not letting authorities know he is letting out. Also, he said a friend has offered to pay the deposit for him. Worrying, eh? I had decided not to have him as a tenant, but still paid for the comprehensive check, just to clarify the situation and know exactly where I stand. Basically, to confirm I was making the right decision. I got a call from this potential tenant to say his landlord is refusing to give his email to anyone, even the tenant hisrlf but will chat to me via mobile phone only. This has stalled the check. Well dodgy! How do you suggest I word my refusal to him and explain I will advertise for another tenant? I want to explain that I have a major investment, which I must protect, plus it is a very well maintained property in a desirable area, meaning I must make sure who moves in is fully vetted. ---
**Author:** ![Niteowl](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/niteowl/32/9284_2.png) [@Niteowl](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Niteowl)\ **Post date:** [4 May 2025 15:59 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/2 "2025-05-04T15:59:06Z")
One thing is for sure. The tenant has got himself in a mess, dealing with a shifty landlord, meaning it will be hard for him to move. ---
**Author:** ![Colin3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/colin3/32/450_2.png) [@Colin3](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Colin3)\ **Post date:** [4 May 2025 16:23 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/3 "2025-05-04T16:23:38Z")
"I am sorry I cannot help you " Say no more than that ---
**Author:** ![A\_Z](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/a_z/32/450_2.png) [@A\_Z](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/A_Z)\ **Post date:** [4 May 2025 18:07 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/4 "2025-05-04T18:07:19Z")
Do not say too much Just say you are proceeding with another applicant you wish him well in your future endeavours Do not read the riot act unless you want a legal case on your doorstep Tenants have sued successfully for less Referencing is short and sweet ---
**Author:** ![Colin3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/colin3/32/450_2.png) [@Colin3](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Colin3)\ **Post date:** [4 May 2025 18:42 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/5 "2025-05-04T18:42:13Z")
do not feel you have to explain why . You do not have to give a reason or explain how valuable your place is . Keep your views on him to yourself. It is safer . Trust the replies here . ---
**Author:** ![Niteowl](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/niteowl/32/9284_2.png) [@Niteowl](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Niteowl)\ **Post date:** [4 May 2025 18:49 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/6 "2025-05-04T18:49:57Z")
Thank you. He knows I have not advertised the house yet and before viewing, requested first refusal, so I cannot say I am pursuing another enquiry. I will have to politely say that if he cannot complete/pass a reference, I am sorry, but it is a requirement. I will say nothing else. How does that sound? ---
**Author:** ![Colin3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/colin3/32/450_2.png) [@Colin3](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Colin3)\ **Post date:** [4 May 2025 19:01 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/7 "2025-05-04T19:01:35Z")
If you feel happier saying that then go ahead. Borrowing the deposit from a friend means he does not have any savings , Red flag that. ---
**Author:** ![C116](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a5b964/32.png) [@C116](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/C116)\ **Post date:** [4 May 2025 19:30 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/8 "2025-05-04T19:30:43Z")
Just say his case will fail referencing and with a failed reference you cannot proceed. If necessary say this pass required by your insurance. ---
**Author:** ![A\_Z](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/a_z/32/450_2.png) [@A\_Z](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/A_Z)\ **Post date:** [4 May 2025 19:39 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/9 "2025-05-04T19:39:15Z")
I would not say that he will not pass referencing That’s a cause for action on his part Last year I was in a similar situation I was approached twice by the same person The first time I said at least six months At six months I apologised and said it was gone He’s not the only tenant on the planet Say the project is delayed or your selling but don’t say anything negative to him People turn very quickly if they thinks it’s personal He may smash your windows overnight Don’t trigger him David Smoth always says don’t say anything apart from your proceeding with another applicant People are too quick to take legal action Don’t stitch yourself up ---
**Author:** ![C116](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a5b964/32.png) [@C116](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/C116)\ **Post date:** [4 May 2025 19:48 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/10 "2025-05-04T19:48:25Z")
Well when he finds out that house is still on the market - how will you explain! Your plan is more risky. By the way I would love to see HMRC knocking his landlords door one day! ---
**Author:** ![Niteowl](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/niteowl/32/9284_2.png) [@Niteowl](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Niteowl)\ **Post date:** [4 May 2025 20:09 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/11 "2025-05-04T20:09:21Z")
I phoned and explained I could not proceed as the referencing could not proceed and it is a requirement in order to rent the house. He was fine about it and said it is due to his current landlord refusing to reveal his email. He asked if I would prefer him to phone the landlord again or to let things drop…I chose the latter and apologised. He accepted this and it was not as difficult a conversation as I thought it would be. His landlord is only charging half the going rent too! So I needed to be sure that he could afford my rate, which is still below the full going rate. ---
**Author:** ![A\_Z](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/a_z/32/450_2.png) [@A\_Z](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/A_Z)\ **Post date:** [4 May 2025 20:38 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/12 "2025-05-04T20:38:42Z")
You don’t need to justify yourself What you shouldn’t do is give them cause I’ve had one guy accost me for several times for different houses The last time I told him I was selling It was late and getting dark I was really uncomfortable that he wasn’t letting me pass He kept pushing but I know he’s house hopping and he forced himself into a property without permission I blocked his number and just avoid him if I see him They eventually get the message and stop speaking to you It’s not your problem Your first responsibility is to yourself not anyone else The world sees compassion as a weakness and goodwill is a thing of yesteryear People and society have changed and we have to adjust to a new norm ---
**Author:** ![tatemono](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/tatemono/32/19789_2.png) [@tatemono](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/tatemono)\ **Post date:** [5 May 2025 15:51 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/13 "2025-05-05T15:51:32Z")
Copy and paste this into a message to them: “Thank you for your applicaton. We are proceeding with another applicant.” ---
**Author:** ![Chris50](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/chris50/32/18719_2.png) [@Chris50](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Chris50)\ **Post date:** [5 May 2025 20:16 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/14 "2025-05-05T20:16:18Z")
As soon as he mentioned debt’s that’s a no. This is a business for your livelihood don’t jeopardise it. Just be honest and say no as he won’t pass the credit checks. ---
**Author:** ![Gary](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/gary/32/16502_2.png) [@Gary](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Gary)\ **Post date:** [6 May 2025 08:59 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/15 "2025-05-06T08:59:40Z")
On this occasion your application for this property has been unsuccessful We wish you every luck in your property search ---
**Author:** ![Oriel](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/oriel/32/17370_2.png) [@Oriel](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Oriel)\ **Post date:** [6 May 2025 09:14 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/16 "2025-05-06T09:14:18Z")
I got called a “vigilante” by prospective tenants, who looked at my social media profile! Two of them stalked the property two days later, as I was leaving. The lead one called me 17 times, from the morning they were to move in, i.e. about 11am, until their ETA of 8pm, having not signed my Contract. I pulled out of the contract, on the advice of the NRLA Helpline. I hadn’t signed a contract with them, so they weren’t my tenants. I said I was not willing to proceed, as it had been chaotic from the outset. I then had to block all bar one - the nicest one - a would-be actor, who said he worked in IT, at a jazz café, but turned out to be a waiter, on £16/hour! ---
**Author:** ![Alice18](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/alice18/32/26155_2.png) [@Alice18](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Alice18)\ **Post date:** [8 May 2025 06:26 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/17 "2025-05-08T06:26:42Z")
He is probably aware that his application is tenuous. Can you not just use the Open Rent app to refuse the applications and refund any holding deposit? Just say sorry but you have not passed Openrent referencing. He will need to have a tough conversation with his landlord, but you are better off away from all of this. (I usually ask people if they have references before getting to the reference stage. It saves time and hassle). ---
**Author:** ![Niteowl](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/niteowl/32/9284_2.png) [@Niteowl](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Niteowl)\ **Post date:** [8 May 2025 13:12 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/18 "2025-05-08T13:12:41Z")
I phoned him to say he was unsuccessful. He was fine with it. Just before having a lady for viewing, who appears promising, I got a phone call from the dodgy landlord of the previous guy who wanted to rent. The lanlord tried telling me he always has been good friends with his tenant and the tenant was pushed for a place to live. He then said he told this guy that if he did the place up, he’d let him stay for free, as it means more than receiving rent, but after a while the tenant started to give him a bit of payment too. No way am I believing that in a million years, so I told this guy I am dealing with another potential tenant now. Lol! ---
**Author:** ![Lynette3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/lynette3/32/17370_2.png) [@Lynette3](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Lynette3)\ **Post date:** [8 May 2025 14:43 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/19 "2025-05-08T14:43:51Z")
A lot of people wouldn’t pass a credit check I took a man in he didn’t pass but had just sold a house so had money in the bank my best tenant ever he had bad debt as a student but that was 20 years ago so even if someone does tick all the box’s I wouldn’t turn them away ---
**Author:** ![Peter2](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/peter2/32/302_2.png) [@Peter2](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Peter2)\ **Post date:** [8 May 2025 20:01 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819/20 "2025-05-08T20:01:06Z")
Glad to hear you got a good resolution. I had a woman with all sorts of similar red flags, it took at most 2 weeks from her first viewing to her failing referencing (although she said she had lots of ways she could “prove” she had sufficient income) When I declined her application she came out with elaborate stories about an abusive neighbour where she lived and “it was all my fault” that she couldn’t move out now, and that I’d let her down and “all her plans would have to change”, etc. I probably got 10 messages from her that day. This all just helped convince me that I’d made the right choice, as it was a completely unreasonable exchange. If you get a bad feeling about someone, follow your instincts. [Next page](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-say-no-to-this-prospective-tenant/81819.md?page=2)