Listing one unit and many people want to apply

[Sam P.]

Maybe a nice conundrum to have, I have this one unit listed and showed to 12 persons in 2 days and many more scheduled over the next 1 week. I have received inquiries from 4 asking to apply. Should I send the application to all 4 and then pick one and say no to the others or process for the one who will be moving in the earliest?

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Sam P.:

Maybe a nice conundrum to have, I have this one unit listed and showed to 12 persons in 2 days and many more scheduled over the next 1 week. I have received inquiries from 4 asking to apply. Should I send the application to all 4 and then pick one and say no to the others or process for the one who will be moving in the earliest?

This typically happens for two reasons:

1. Property is priced too low 2. No pre-screening in your marketing

if priced and marketed properly, you'll get far fewer applications, but the ones you get will be serious and highly likely to qualify.

Pre-screening includess posting some of your automatic disqualifiers (no pets or no Section 8) and some self-screening tips (all adults must apply, pass a full credit/criminal check, and show verifiable income of at least 3x the rent). Go to my website and look at my rental ads for examples. These short statements will get rid of a lot of people that aren't serious or that are looking to take advantage of an amateur Landlord.