Example – Extenuating Circumstances

Through the screening process, an owner learns that Asad Bhatt was evicted from his last apartment for nonpayment of rent. The owner rejects Asad Bhatt’s application and informs him of the reason for the rejection. Asad explains that his failure to pay rent on time resulted from the need to purchase expensive medications for his seriously ill wife. His wife is now well, and his medical expenses have been paid. Asad asks for reconsideration of his application, because he believes he will be able to pay rent on time.

If the owner has a policy of considering extenuating circumstances for any tenant, the owner would be required to consider the extenuating circumstances applicable to Asad. In evaluating whether to accept Asad as a tenant, the owner may verify that Asad paid rent on time prior to his wife's illness and that medical expenses have been paid. If the owner learns from a landlord reference that Asad’s rent had been chronically late prior to his wife's illness, the owner may deny admission to Asad in accordance with the owner’s written screening procedures. If the owner does not have a policy of considering extenuating circumstances, the owner may not consider such circumstances as described by Asad.