---
title: How to reject an application
description: Learn how to decline a rental application in Burnt and meet adverse action, Fair Chance, and source of income obligations when you do.
---

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# How to reject an application

## Record a decline and follow adverse action, Fair Chance, and source-of-income obligations.

If you decide not to move forward with an applicant, you record the decision on the application. If your decision is based in whole or in part on a screening report, you likely have obligations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

**Steps**

1. Open the screening and review the results.
2. Select the option to decline.
3. The decision is recorded on the application.

**Adverse action**

Declining an applicant, requiring a co-signer, or requiring a higher deposit based on a consumer report is an adverse action. The Fair Credit Reporting Act generally requires that you give the applicant an adverse action notice identifying the consumer reporting source and explaining the right to dispute the information and request a copy of the report. See *Adverse action and how to handle a decline*.

**Criminal history and vouchers**

In New York City, criminal history may only be considered through an individualized assessment after a conditional offer, and blanket criminal bans are not permitted. Applicants may not be declined because of a lawful source of income, such as a housing voucher. See *Conditional acceptance and individualized assessment* and *New York screening requirements*.

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