Jane,

 It sounds like they just don't want to pay it. The price you are asking is quite a bit lower than most application/ processing fees. The going rate is $50.  Background and credit reports are common practice for landlords now. Especially with the liability associated with renting to a known criminal. Allowing someone to live in your property is very much like a lending situation. Any lender would require a credit report to guarantee the applicant can pay each month.

We've also found that the application/ processing fee helps keep the applicant from “shopping around” and thus wasting your time and money.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help with.

Thank you,

Shawndra Crowther

Shawndra Crowther

Renting Authority

888-674-9181

http://www.RentingAuthority.com