No.
But here's the question you really want to know:
Why can't a property manager refund the background fee?
Let's start with some background facts that many renters (and some agents) don't understand. Nesbitt Realty (and most property managers) don't make any money from background checks. Nesbitt Realty buys a background check. Once that money is spent. It is spent. Nesbitt Realty doesn't get anything from that background check and we simply can't afford to pay for background checks for people who aren't accepted.
Because we don't make any money from background checks, we're not interested in doing background checks, except as required. When are we required to pull a background check? We're required to pull a background check when an application is submitted. Fair Housing Laws won't allow us to pick and choose which applications to process. We process all submitted application so that we can present them to the landlord.
All applications are presented to the landlord.
Some of the applications we process are submitted by our agents and some are submitted by agents from other companies. We cannot guarantee that your application will be accepted if you apply through us. But we can guarantee that your application will be properly submitted. Slow approvals and rejected applications are often caused by not properly submitting the application in the first place.
We do not give preferential treatment to applications submitted by our agents on properties that we manage. Because we will be managing the property, it's much more important to find the most qualified applicant than it is to make a few dollars from a rental commission. Here's some of what we look at when we make a recommendation to a landlord:
- Criminal History
- Rental History
- Credit History
- Income
- Debt to Income Ratio's
- Offer (some applicants offer more or less than the rental amount)
- Pets
How to avoid wasting your background fee
Most importantly self-assess your application based upon the criteria above. If you think your application will fall short on one or more of these criteria ask us (or ask your agent to us) if you will be accepted with certain criteria. By disclosing potential problems before the application is submitted you can avoid wasting money on an application that has no chance.
If you want to offer less than the asking price, it's important to understand that is extremely unlikely that a landlord represented by Nesbitt Realty will agree to lower the rent until they know something about the tenant. Some landlords won't accept poor credit or pets under any circumstance. Some will ask for extra deposit but will consider such an application.
Lastly, remember that if you're asking for a special situation or special allowance, Nesbitt Realty (and most property managers) will not be able to go forward unless and until the landlord accepts the special circumstance. That can delay your application process. In the meantime another renter who is not asking for any special allowance (or who is offering more rent) might make an application.
