Look at a Tenant's car when choosing applicants...
Alan AsriantsBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Alan Asriants - New Century Real Estate 591 Reviews
Look at a Tenant's car when choosing applicants...
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Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
3yQuote from @Alan Asriants:
Their car and behavior may present some red flags, but you should never approve or deny someone based on the condition of their car, their ability to maintain eye contact, or the firmness of their handshake. What if you reject someone for a dirty car and it turns out she's a hard-working single mom that doesn't have time or energy to maintain her car because she works her tail off to pay bills and spend time raising her kids right?
You're subjective discrimination is likely to get you into hot water with Fair Housing. Your approval or denial should be based on objective criteria that identifies the level of risk a potential renter poses to your property, income, time, or sanity.
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21 Replies
Of course, all no brainer stuff...if you're living in the past. Today, in socialist Seattle, what would your official (Adverse action) notice be for denial? Messy car? I'm sure I'll never accept another application in this anti-landlord place again, I quit Seattle, but others may like to know. Technically, you could get away with "messy car" if it's in your stated list of necessary qualifications for application. You could also demand they wear yellow shoes to the interview, but it must be stated.
- Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes3y
Quote from @Henry T.:
Of course, all no brainer stuff...if you're living in the past. Today, in socialist Seattle, what would your official (Adverse action) notice be for denial? Messy car? I'm sure I'll never accept another application in this anti-landlord place again, I quit Seattle, but others may like to know. Technically, you could get away with "messy car" if it's in your stated list of necessary qualifications for application. You could also demand they wear yellow shoes to the interview, but it must be stated.
I'm not sure what your local laws are as far as denying an applicant. These tips are just things to point out and look for when making your decision. Lots of people overlook this stuff and find themsleves with a headache of a tenant
There is literally nothing wrong with seeing how a person conducts themselves and prepares themselves.
If you showed up in yellow shoes and ripped shirt to a job interview, were 100% qualified on paper, and someone else showed up in a suit and was also 100% qualified on paper, who would they pick?
"Thank you for applying, we have chosen another applicant, if anything changes we will let you know"
You can't choose everybody to rent your place, you can only have 1 tenantMaybe you're right, maybe if you see red flags you don't accept an application
Alan Asriants - New Century Real Estate 591 Reviews - 3yJaron WallingPro MemberRental Property Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
100% look at the tenants cars when doing a showing for rental property. If it's FULL of trash and the car is wrecked to h*** they lowered there chance of getting accepted. People that care about there own things tend to care for others.
- Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes3y
Quote from @Alan Asriants:
Their car and behavior may present some red flags, but you should never approve or deny someone based on the condition of their car, their ability to maintain eye contact, or the firmness of their handshake. What if you reject someone for a dirty car and it turns out she's a hard-working single mom that doesn't have time or energy to maintain her car because she works her tail off to pay bills and spend time raising her kids right?
You're subjective discrimination is likely to get you into hot water with Fair Housing. Your approval or denial should be based on objective criteria that identifies the level of risk a potential renter poses to your property, income, time, or sanity.
The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews - Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes3y
Quote from @Jaron Walling:
100% look at the tenants cars when doing a showing for rental property. If it's FULL of trash and the car is wrecked to h*** they lowered there chance of getting accepted. People that care about there own things tend to care for others.
Agreed. If they can't take care of their car, they likely can't take care of their home.
Alan Asriants - New Century Real Estate 591 Reviews - Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes3y
Quote from @Nathan Gesner:
Quote from @Alan Asriants:
Their car and behavior may present some red flags, but you should never approve or deny someone based on the condition of their car, their ability to maintain eye contact, or the firmness of their handshake. What if you reject someone for a dirty car and it turns out she's a hard-working single mom that doesn't have time or energy to maintain her car because she works her tail off to pay bills and spend time raising her kids right?
You're subjective discrimination is likely to get you into hot water with Fair Housing. Your approval or denial should be based on objective criteria that identifies the level of risk a potential renter poses to your property, income, time, or sanity.
I agree that you can't deny someone just based off of these things alone, but someone's character and how they conduct themselves is often a good sign of how they are as people.
While I understand your argument of a single mom having a dirty car, I also just don't agree. I come from a family of immigrants who have had it 1000x harder than people here, even single moms. Even when they are left with nothing at the end of the month, they still find a way to be presentable, take care of their personal items, and show respect.
While I sympathize with people on their various life situations, one thing does not eliminate the other.
This isn't an end all be all, just a tip
Alan Asriants - New Century Real Estate 591 Reviews Quote from @Alan Asriants:
Quote from @Henry T.:
Of course, all no brainer stuff...if you're living in the past. Today, in socialist Seattle, what would your official (Adverse action) notice be for denial? Messy car? I'm sure I'll never accept another application in this anti-landlord place again, I quit Seattle, but others may like to know. Technically, you could get away with "messy car" if it's in your stated list of necessary qualifications for application. You could also demand they wear yellow shoes to the interview, but it must be stated.
I'm not sure what your local laws are as far as denying an applicant. These tips are just things to point out and look for when making your decision. Lots of people overlook this stuff and find themsleves with a headache of a tenant
There is literally nothing wrong with seeing how a person conducts themselves and prepares themselves.
If you showed up in yellow shoes and ripped shirt to a job interview, were 100% qualified on paper, and someone else showed up in a suit and was also 100% qualified on paper, who would they pick?
"Thank you for applying, we have chosen another applicant, if anything changes we will let you know"
You can't choose everybody to rent your place, you can only have 1 tenantMaybe you're right, maybe if you see red flags you don't accept an application
In Seattle you would be required to take the ripped shirt, because he was first. You have to be very careful making judgements, HUD will tear you a new one if someone has a case. Be very careful.
For me those things are the fine details that help in "tie breakers" or applications that are nearly even. I wont use any of them as formal reason to decline an application. I meet every applicant in person and trust my gut.
Stick to the written criteria you have...... and only use these as smaller influencers..... and DO NOT use them as an official reason to decline them.
- Lender · Nashville TN - Licensed in AL AR DC FL GA LA MD TN, TX and VA · Member since 2021 · 583 posts · 338 votes3y
Honestly, the tenants I've had issues with have had nicer/newer cars. The problem was that they were paying a car note they couldn't afford and would in turn be late on rent.
The physical things mentioned such as the car are things I observe and take note of, but are not my primary decision making points. I think viewing the applicant's current residence will be even more valuable. These things I take note of, but I put more weight into the behavior of the applicants and family. Of course I have my standard list of requirements which takes top priority.
If someone smokes or vapes at their car before or after a showing, it is a red flag for me as that is a prohibited activity in my listing. I've rented to families that state they will only smoke outside and this has never happened.
If the family has kids running all over the house slamming doors and screaming during a showing, this is a bad sign. I've rented to families like this and the wear and tear and negligent damage from these families has been substantially more then well behaved families.
Everyone should present their best during a showing. Any issues like this will only be worse after move-in. I look at all behaviors and pay attention to how they talk. Simple, clear, confident answers to questions with a reply I'm looking for go a long way. Excuses are considered, but frequently indicate the hiding of something.
- Member since 2023 · 243 posts · 199 votes3yI wouldn’t rely on that belief. Some single mothers go through unimaginable, layered stuff here. Prioritization becomes drastically complicated when you’re they only one supporting children. Being from another country where it may appear like things were x1000 doesn’t mean you had it worse than someone here. A single mother not dressed well may care lures about her appearance and would want to keep the house prestige in fear of removal. There are lots of variables.
Quote from @Alan Asriants:
Quote from @Nathan Gesner:
Quote from @Alan Asriants:
I come from a family of immigrants who have had it 1000x harder than people here, even single moms. Even when they are left with nothing at the end of the month, they still find a way to be presentable, take care of their personal items, and show respect.
The way they walk in slamming things down. Do they smell moldy. Do they look just plain nasty. Do they have uncontrollable kids. These are only a factor if there are other tenants just as qualified.
Car condition becomes a factor only if it obviously looks like they are a horder. Take a pic of it in case. The condition is a don’t care unless it’s leaking fluid as that’s in the lease.
Overall, judging how they respect themselves and the folks around are the only subjective factors. - Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes3y
Quote from @Reid Chauvin:
Honestly, the tenants I've had issues with have had nicer/newer cars. The problem was that they were paying a car note they couldn't afford and would in turn be late on rent.
Overextending yourself on your car loan is another red flag! Being too flashy is a sign of some other things to keep an eye on.
Alan Asriants - New Century Real Estate 591 Reviews - Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes3y
Quote from @Chris B.:
The physical things mentioned such as the car are things I observe and take note of, but are not my primary decision making points. I think viewing the applicant's current residence will be even more valuable. These things I take note of, but I put more weight into the behavior of the applicants and family. Of course I have my standard list of requirements which takes top priority.
If someone smokes or vapes at their car before or after a showing, it is a red flag for me as that is a prohibited activity in my listing. I've rented to families that state they will only smoke outside and this has never happened.
If the family has kids running all over the house slamming doors and screaming during a showing, this is a bad sign. I've rented to families like this and the wear and tear and negligent damage from these families has been substantially more then well behaved families.
Everyone should present their best during a showing. Any issues like this will only be worse after move-in. I look at all behaviors and pay attention to how they talk. Simple, clear, confident answers to questions with a reply I'm looking for go a long way. Excuses are considered, but frequently indicate the hiding of something.
Exactly! None of these points are 100% deal breakers, but they are things that I look out for after years of experience dealing with tenants and people. These are just a few things I have in the back of my head when observing a tenant. I've dealt with people with certain behaviors and traits that I know look out for, because my experience wasn't good.
Like you said about the family with disobedient children, been there, done that. All of my cabinets, tiles, etc were trashed, but hey they were excellent on paper.
At the end of the day, you want someone who not only qualifies on paper, but someone with good character as well. Well mannered people will keep their kids under control, be polite, and likely show up presentable to a showing.
This property yours your blood, sweat and tears, why not analyze a few more things before putting all that hard work into a strangers hands?
Alan Asriants - New Century Real Estate 591 Reviews - Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes3y
Quote from @Todd Jones:
I wouldn’t rely on that belief. Some single mothers go through unimaginable, layered stuff here. Prioritization becomes drastically complicated when you’re they only one supporting children. Being from another country where it may appear like things were x1000 doesn’t mean you had it worse than someone here. A single mother not dressed well may care lures about her appearance and would want to keep the house prestige in fear of removal. There are lots of variables.Quote from @Alan Asriants:
Quote from @Nathan Gesner:
Quote from @Alan Asriants:
I come from a family of immigrants who have had it 1000x harder than people here, even single moms. Even when they are left with nothing at the end of the month, they still find a way to be presentable, take care of their personal items, and show respect.
The way they walk in slamming things down. Do they smell moldy. Do they look just plain nasty. Do they have uncontrollable kids. These are only a factor if there are other tenants just as qualified.
Car condition becomes a factor only if it obviously looks like they are a horder. Take a pic of it in case. The condition is a don’t care unless it’s leaking fluid as that’s in the lease.
Overall, judging how they respect themselves and the folks around are the only subjective factors.The way they walk in slamming things down. Do they smell moldy. Do they look just plain nasty. Do they have uncontrollable kids. These are only a factor if there are other tenants just as qualified.
Would you rent to this applicant^?
Alan Asriants - New Century Real Estate 591 Reviews - Lakeland, FL · Member since 2018 · 243 posts · 148 votes3y
Quote from @Alan Asriants:
When screening a tenant, don't just look at a tenant's application and credit score
Their application will tell you a general idea of whether or not a tenant is qualified, but it won't show you how they will take care of your property.
When I look at tenants, I try to see the car they drive. I don't care about the make, model, or year, I only care about it's condition.
The car's condition is a sign of how they will treat your property. Is their car clean? Messy? Lot's of damage and scratches?
Another thing I pay attention to is:
How do the prospective tenants walk into the place?
Do they barge right in? Do they ask to take off their shoes? Do they formally greet you?
Are they constantly pointing out problems and asking you if things will be addressed? (Negotiating before even submitting an application about nit picky things that don't matter)
What do you guys do to screen your tenants besides an application?
For sure the shoes thing for my houses. Love this! Just wanted to add, I would quickly fail the car test. But also, I've never, ever been late with rent, mortgages, or not paid a bill. I dress like a vagrant and my car is scattered with tools, plumbing parts, str checklists, work clothes, a tarp, air tire pressure gauge(gotta fix that leak), box of 1 5/8 screws, and still my kids manage to find a place to sit. They're amazing! It will be this way for a couple more months as I'm doing yet another constrcuction project.
- 3yDave SpoonerPro MemberRental Property Investor · Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2020 · 870 posts · 823 votes
Quote from @Nathan Gesner:
Quote from @Alan Asriants:
Their car and behavior may present some red flags, but you should never approve or deny someone based on the condition of their car, their ability to maintain eye contact, or the firmness of their handshake. What if you reject someone for a dirty car and it turns out she's a hard-working single mom that doesn't have time or energy to maintain her car because she works her tail off to pay bills and spend time raising her kids right?
You're subjective discrimination is likely to get you into hot water with Fair Housing. Your approval or denial should be based on objective criteria that identifies the level of risk a potential renter poses to your property, income, time, or sanity.
I full agree with this.
- Property Manager · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2022 · 269 posts · 135 votes3y
I definitely don't have the best car...I buy cheap used cars bc I don't like car payments and I'm always on the go so my car does occasionally get messy. However, my place is always clean and I've never been late on a bill. I've screened my tenants through Innago and haven't had any issues. I think some of these requirements are high expectations that even great tenants can't fulfill.
- Bristol, CT · Member since 2017 · 1 post · 1 vote3y
Quote from @Alan Asriants:
Quote from @Henry T.:
Of course, all no brainer stuff...if you're living in the past. Today, in socialist Seattle, what would your official (Adverse action) notice be for denial? Messy car? I'm sure I'll never accept another application in this anti-landlord place again, I quit Seattle, but others may like to know. Technically, you could get away with "messy car" if it's in your stated list of necessary qualifications for application. You could also demand they wear yellow shoes to the interview, but it must be stated.
I'm not sure what your local laws are as far as denying an applicant. These tips are just things to point out and look for when making your decision. Lots of people overlook this stuff and find themsleves with a headache of a tenant
There is literally nothing wrong with seeing how a person conducts themselves and prepares themselves.
If you showed up in yellow shoes and ripped shirt to a job interview, were 100% qualified on paper, and someone else showed up in a suit and was also 100% qualified on paper, who would they pick?
"Thank you for applying, we have chosen another applicant, if anything changes we will let you know"
You can't choose everybody to rent your place, you can only have 1 tenantMaybe you're right, maybe if you see red flags you don't accept an application
I've got a few messy tenants and their cars are pretty normal-looking in the inside and outside.
I had a few I evicted who were packrats and left the place gross and their cars were not at all cluttered or dirty.
My place I live in is nice and my car is a bit cluttered, I admit; but if you saw my work van you'd think I lived out of it as it's cluttered :-)
- Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes3y
@Karl B.
The car is just one part of a whole.
Of course you can’t judge an entire persons character off of their car.
But indicators and multiple pieces make up a puzzle.
If you look at only one piece you won’t see a full picture.
That’s why you need multiple pieces to see or at least make your best judgement on what the final picture looks like.
You will never know how the tenant will actually be until you rent to them.
My point is this, besides checking for credit, income, criminal etc, it’s also just as important to look at other things like: their car, the respectiveness towards your place, how they conduct themselves, what kind of questions they ask, and even how they talk to you!
I’ve had all kinds of applicants, and I never make a decision based on one thing. In fact I have never even seen some of my tenants cars.
But I’ve had a 750 credit score tenant with a perfect background and income, be an absolute a**hole to me, even though I was trying to be as professional as possible.
I have 800 credit score tenants that keep the place extremely tidy, their car is perfect but they are such a pain to deal with.
Meanwhile their neighbors who have no credit, car is trashed, are very polite and nice.
The car is just part of the puzzle! But it’s important to consider as many pieces! It will make it easier for you to see the bigger picture!
Good luck with your tenant search!
Alan Asriants - New Century Real Estate 591 Reviews
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