Rental Applications-What do you use?

Question

I'm looking to find out some information about what types of rental applications landlords are using.  Do you get them from a site on the web, create your own? What do you do about properties you manage from a distance? Are you scanning and faxing applications back and forth to tenants/applicants?  Thanks in advance for your help.

Elizabeth Colegrove · Answer

We use buildium and love them. Very worth the money.

Damon Duperre · Answer

I use the standard TREC (Texas Real Estate Commision) application because it is intrusive enough but tenants really can't say it is too intrusive since it is the official TREC application.

Jassem A. · Answer

An automated system for tenant screening is great for high-demand A/B areas that have a high rent price because there is a need to be much more picky and it's more common for applicants to have an understanding of technology.  For C/D areas, I prefer to keep it short and simple so that I can get someone in there before the copper thieves show up.

Emily Du Plessis · Answer

thanks for all of the feedback. We actually ended up creating our own as well.  It has been really awesome because everything is automated and it integrates with things like Google Drive and dropbox.  I will definitely check out Some of the ones mentioned!

Jeff Blanchard · Answer

I use my own site to receive applications (and convert leads to active leases), but RocketLease is a good standalone app for thorough info processing and background checks.

George P. · Answer

if they don't bother filling it out,  we don't bother processing it.

Jassem A. · Answer

I keep my application short and to the point so that there is a better chance they will actually fill it out.  I allow them to take a picture of the completed application and send it to me over text.  Here it is.

I don't charge a processing fee.  I call their previous landlord and their employer most times and also look to see if they have any prior evictions on the court website.  I'll also verify income before lease signing most times.

Joshua Diaz · Answer

@George P.

Hey there!  Thank you for the tip!  I checked out your site and the download you mentioned looks simpler than i thought it would be.  I appreciate the help!

George P. · Answer

we have created our own after tweaking and borrowing content from 5-10 applications that we obtained through various sources (agents, websites, attorneys).

i think you can download it from my website too. i dont like the spacing (too small), but you can at least see the information that we ask. it's really basic, actually. why pay if you can make your own in 30 mins?

Shane H. · Answer

@Joshua Diaz

I second Elizabeth's endorsement of Buildium - have used it for 5 years now and love it.  You can custom make your own rental app through their site.  Great accounting features, online payments, financial reports and great customer service.

Rental Applications-What do you use?

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