Disqualify Potential Tenant with First Email Inquiry?

[Jamie B.]

I have been reading all the blogs and posts within this site as well as books others have recommended. Amazing amount of information! We are busy getting our first rental SFH ready and I am behind on my formal introduction but will do that next.

We have listed our home and have been receiving inquiries. Today I rec'd one with too much information. The inquiry told of other places they have looked, brought up the church they belong to and that they are staying at a hotel right now (there are 3 people). Asked for us to call as they wanted to see the property today. An hour later, I rec'd another email that they like the neighborhood but want the exact address.

My husband's first thought is that it is too much information. I did a search on the emailer's name and it is an unique name- and came up with an odd story of a news story with this person's name in a nearby town of harassment and jail time as well as this person went to law school here. Could be a coincidence or it could be trouble.

To avoid it all, we would prefer to not respond to this person. There are too many red flags and gut instinct says something is not right. I could not find any information that states I have to respond to every inquiry. If from the first email, I don't have a good feeling, I should move on, right?

Thanks!
Jamie

[Nicole A.]

I don't think it's about morals, but about time management. Screening has a few levels.

If they don't even pass preliminary background checks such as searching on the internet for online court records, Facebook, etc, why would you waste your time and their time (and their money!) doing a full background check?