Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) Practice Test

What should a property manager do when an application is denied?

1. Send a garden gift to the applicant

2. Call the applicant to inform them and send a denial letter

3. Ignore the applicant completely

4. Allow reapplication without conditions

The correct answer is: Call the applicant to inform them and send a denial letter

When an application is denied, the appropriate course of action for a property manager is to call the applicant to inform them of the decision and follow up with a formal denial letter. This approach is important for several reasons. Firstly, direct communication via phone allows for a personal touch, giving the applicant an opportunity to ask questions or express concerns about the decision. It shows respect for the applicant's time and effort in applying, fostering goodwill even in a negative situation. Providing clear information about the reasons for the denial can help the applicant understand any potential issues and may assist them in future applications, whether to the same property or elsewhere. Additionally, sending a denial letter serves as an official record of the decision, which is essential for compliance with fair housing laws. These regulations often require documentation of reasons for denial along with specific criteria used in the decision-making process. This transparency can help protect the property management company from claims of discrimination or unfair practices. The other choices do not align with best practices in property management. Sending a garden gift may come across as insincere or unrelated to the situation. Ignoring the applicant completely can damage the reputation of the management company and ruin potential future relationships. Allowing reapplication without conditions bypasses a critical component of the