Application frenzy

Not much new so far this week, which is refreshing. More tenants moving out, but for once I am collecting applications like crazy (5 today alone). I sent out a big mailing to all the social service agencies in town, which means they are referring people left and right.
This is good, but a lot of these people won't get approved for an apartment here due to our strict screening criteria. This is frustrating on one hand, because the applications take a huge amount of time to process, not to mention the time I spend showing apartments and helping people fill out the application. I tell people the screening criteria up front -hell, they get a copy of it- but of course if they don't meet it they don't tell you. I hate working on an application for 2 weeks to find out the person won't qualify. On the other hand, at least it gives me hope of renting an apartment, which I have only done ONCE my entire time here. Also, I got smart enough to not let people fill out the application until they bring me the money for it first. Live and learn.

Sometimes I want to tell the people referred from certain agencies to run for it. For example, if you are being referred from any sort of drug or prisoner rehabilitation program, this is probably not the neighborhood for you. Temptation is everywhere.

I have problems controlling my facial expressions. If someone says something I find offensive, don't agree with, or think is just plain stupid, it's very hard for me to keep that thought from expressing itself on my face. This is something that does not work to my advantage in professional situations, like meetings. Or in situations like this....
One of the women who came in to fill out an application today was referred by an organization that serves women who are dealing with domestic violence. She asked about adding people to the lease, "like a roommate". No problem I told her. They just need to come in and fill out an application and if we approve them we put them on the lease. "What about a boyfriend?" she asked. "Umm, same deal", I say.
My brain was telling my face to not make any sudden movements, but seriously, you're being referred to me from a domestic violence shelter and you're asking about adding your currently incarcerated but soon to be released abuser* onto your lease? Oy.

*my assumption. She didn't SAY her boyfriend was currently incarcerated, or that he was the one abusing her, but come on. She still had a black eye. Did she find a new non-abusive squeeze that fast? Miracles happen, but not in this neighborhood.