Leasing, Marketing, and Tenant Relations
Marketing and Fair Selection
Leasing begins with marketing that complies with human rights law. A candidate must understand prohibited grounds of discrimination, the difference between advertising a unit and screening applicants, and the requirement to apply consistent, documented criteria. Traps include advertising "adults only" or "no children," which violates human rights law, and asking about disability, family status, or religion.
Screening and the Lease
Know the elements of a complete application: identity, income verification, references, and consent to a credit check. Understand the lease terms, the move-in inspection, and the condition report. A common trap is accepting a deposit before the application is approved, or failing to give the tenant a copy of the signed agreement.
Tenant Relations and Retention
Good management reduces turnover. Concepts include responsive maintenance, clear communication, and fair enforcement. Questions often test whether a manager may enter a unit; entry generally requires notice except in emergencies. Another trap is retaliating against a tenant who complains - retaliation is prohibited.
Worked Example
A manager receives 20 applications and selects on income-to-rent ratio of 3:1 plus verified references, applied to every applicant. Documenting the criteria protects against a discrimination claim and shows consistent treatment.
Rule of Thumb
Advertise the unit, not the preferred tenant. Screen against written criteria applied equally, and keep records of every decision.