I posted an ad on Craigslist looking for a place to stay at while I’m traveling. I posted the dates I need a place for, and the amount of money I’m willing to spend. In response to my ad, I got several emails by people who’re willing to rent me their apartments or rooms.

Most of the emails contain all the necessary information I’m looking for, tell me something about themselves and the apartment/room and in turn ask me some personal questions. Letting any stranger stay over even for money is a big issue, I know. I’ve no problem with letting these people know details about myself and answer their questions. Such emails show that the person willing to rent the apartment or the room is a nice person to deal with and wants the entire deal, from start to finish, to be a happy one for all the involved parties. Some emails, however, start with a list of questions , and end with a list of questions and rules, like the following actual questions that I’ve received in such emails:

• Why are you coming here?
• Do you smoke? have any pets? drink?
• What times will you be at home, and what times will you be out?
• Will you have any friends over?
• Can you bring cash? We do not accept anything else.
• You posted $900. Our minimum rent is $1200.
• We don’t like late night partiers, and the neighbors don’t like anyone making noises after 10 pm.

There’s nothing wrong with such questions and rules. However, there’s something wrong with such attitudes, as such emails have no “hello“, no “bye“, no introduction, no other information in between. It’s as if I’ve sent an unsolicited request to someone for something they have, and they’re now upset and demand an answer to their questions before they can consider my request. On top of that, these people don’t read the list of requirements I have, and instead offer me places over what I’m willing to pay, as one of the above points show. When an email only lists these questions and rules, I tend to not like such an email. Being nice and telling me what one has, and saying “It’s $300 over your budget though” nicely can do wonders. Renting a place is not a one-way ticket to horror; someone can end up with a really crazy landlord or owner also, as we all probably know. How about letting someone know about yourself also, in return for knowing what they have to say. Many landlords feel that it’s their natural right to ask a renter dozens of questions and not answer anything in return. On top of that, such landlords act ‘bossy’, the best word to describe their behavior in my view. I replied to one of the emails above, asking them questions, and they responded without answering my questions, saying that they’ll consider me depending on my answers.

What is this, a kindergarten test, or a proposal for marriage to a stranger? Even the DMV gives you more information and respect when you’re applying for your drivers license. To all the landlords around the world: please start respecting your fellow human beings. When you ask someone questions because you’re scared they might be LeatherFace in disguise, please explain things about yourself also, as there’s a possibility you might be Norman Bates’s mother, too. You aren’t the only one doing a huge favor in a renting transaction; they’re paying you, it’s their money, so both of you are doing each other favors. Show some respect and tell that person why you deserve to get their money, instead of treating them as if they’re desperate for your room and you’re giving it to them against your will and for free.

I’ve found a really nice place and a very nice person who’s letting me stay.