Gee Jessica, I thought this had been dealt with quite some time ago. The standard answer is to say that “you have been declined due to insufficient referencing for our client” Most failed applicants understand this these days, and that’s the end of it. If they go on a little just reiterate what ‘insufficient’ means. We are not required (in Qld) to explain any further, but if requested, are required to provide the applicant with a copy of our application file, so be very careful as to what you write on the forms during your investigation.

Trust that helps

Ian Morrison

I think the key to it is to be clear and consise: “the owner decided to not go with your application” 

Not too long winded as sometime the more you say can come back to you. 

Application declined.  Why?  Application declined.

You may may know the answer {to decline the application}, but if you educate your owner while processing the application : meaning train them to say “application declined” nothing else.  That is the honest answer.   On the application we write no comments of any type – just application delined date and time.

If the tenant ever got hold of it, for some reason, that is all they would see.

Agent – “Unfortunately the owner did not approve your application”

Applicant – “Why?”

Agent – “The owner did not given thier reason”

Agent – “We will hold your application for two weeks. If you see another property you are interested in we can re-use it, otherwise it is here to collect if you wish. After the two weeks it will be destroyed”

Up to the last Clint I’m with you. We wouldn’t say that. If you’re out on the first try there is no second go. Why would you encourage a declined applicant to hang around. We shred all unsuccessful apps within 2 days for privacy security.