Application before viewing?

Question

My current tenant is moving out (yay!) and I need to do a MUCH better job screening this time around.  I have heard of landlords using My Smart Move to do this, and it comes with an application fee of around $35.  My question is, in order to be sure you have serious renters, do you have them fill out the application prior to even viewing the apartment if you already have photos online?

Michele Fischer · Answer

If the unit is occupied and we need to disrupt the tenant to show it, we require a partial pre-screen.  They have to fill out the paperwork and it has to score high enough on the first pass, but we don't do all of our due diligence to offer them the unit.  If the unit is empty we show it to anyone who is interested.  I think you can choose either policy, but always be consistent in the application so that you don't appear discriminatory.  And realize that there are pros and cons to both methods (time investment, interested applicants,etc.).

Account Closed · Answer

I didn't use Smart Move.  But, I would pre-screen over the phone before showing an apartment.  I don't think you'll find tenants willing to go through an application process without seeing the place first.

If you put your criteria in your ad, that will help screen some.  Then, when they call, go over the criteria with them over the phone and ask if they'd qualify.  Say you will be doing a background check, etc., etc., and do they believe they'll qualify?  You'll still get some hopefuls, but it will cut out a bunch who won't qualify.  Remind them of your application fee and that it won't be refunded if they are denied, too.

Then, make an appointment with them.  If they're 15 minutes, late, without calling with a good excuse like they're stuck in gridlocked traffic, deny them.  And don't put that one in your ad lol.  Doing this cut out a lot of problem tenants - people who wouldn't respect my time or be a good neighbor.

Anyway, you can cut out quite a few people who wouldn't qualify just by doing those things.

Susan M. · Answer

I have everyone do an online "pre-application" so that I'm not wasting my time showing the unit to people that would never, ever qualify.  I ask very basic questions and don't do any checking up on the answers.  Have you ever been evicted, have you filed bankruptcy, do you smoke, how much do you make, etc.  Then they can schedule an appointment to see the unit.  If they're interested then the real application with application fee comes next.

I don't think I'd be able to get people to pay any money before even seeing the place, but that's my market.  Maybe some markets would support that.

Dick Rosen · Answer

YES! I insist on a prescreened free application before I will bother my current tenant with a scheduled showing. After I have prescreened the application (no obvious red flags) I schedule a showing, if they like the unit and wish to proceed I expect the application fee at that time and suggest an earnest money deposit to hold their place in line.

Danielle Moser · Answer

Thank you both!!  I appreciate the feedback.

Application before viewing?

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