What Should I ask for prior to showing a rental property

Question

Kelly N. · Answer

Hi Justin,

I hate no shows, what a waste of time!  When I set up an appointment, I get a phone number (I get quite a few online) and ask if they would rather I call or text to confirm the appointment.  I still have some that confirm the appointment one hour prior, and then don't show.  Some of them have found another place they like, others I have the feeling have figured out they won't qualify and don't bother to cancel.  Some contact me within a day or two wanting to reschedule, which I will but at a convenient time for me, but a no show is a big mark against them in my book.  If they reschedule beforehand that is fine with me.

If at all possible, I schedule appointments 15 minutes apart, that way if someone doesn't show I likely have others lined up.  I post a notice on the door to let people know that I am showing the apartment to another prospective tenant and will be right with them.  Even if the other person/group is gone by the time the next ones are there, the notice lets them know that there is a demand for the apartment and keeps the showings shorter since they realize someone else may be waiting.

On the phone, or via e mail, I go over our requirements (3x rent in income, no criminal history, no evictions) and answer any questions they have.  My ads are pretty clear about the requirements, move in dates, lease lengths, pet policies, security deposit, etc.  While they are looking at the unit, I chat them up about why they are moving, when they need to move, what they are looking for etc.  I find too many questions on the phone tend to scare the tenants away- of course about 50% of my prospects are college kids so that's part of it.

Hope that helps!

Kelly

Gail K. · Answer

There are lots of postings here on No Shows.  As mentioned, it's just part of the business but it sure is discouraging.  A fair number of landlords call prior to the appointment to confirm they will still show and if no response they don't waste their time going to the rental.

I've had folks call me at noon wanting to see a rental and not show up for a 3:30 appointment that same day!   People have learned it's OK to be rude.  I suppose you could take comfort in the knowledge that you wouldn't want these folks as tenants anyway.

I always show up at my rentals 10 minutes early and wait at least 15 minutes after the scheduled appointment time.  I recently bought my very first IPhone just to have something to do while I wait for these deadbeats who don't show and haven't the courtesy to cancel.

Gail

Stephen Hundley · Answer

@Justin Kline I use this list before showing one of my rentals, if they answer I know they're serious

Questions for Prospective Tenants

1. Why are you moving?

2. How many people will be living here?

3. What kind of pets do you have? Smoke?

4. Has anyone ever filed eviction against you?

5. Will you be able to provide all of the required money at move-in?

6. When do you need to move?

7. Who will be living with you?

8. How much are you currently paying in rent?

9. How long are you hoping to stay?

10. Do you have good references from previous landlords and employers?

11. Why do you choose not to buy a house?

Benjamin Timmins · Answer

No shows are just part of the business. Could just do open houses at a specified time, like every saturday from 12 to 3, and who ever shows shows. least that way you'll know when you'll be tied up instead of having to constantly run back and forth every time someone wants to see it.

Linda Liberatore · Answer

The majority of our clients find it helpful to do the open house style to also create an atmosphere or competition and sense of urgency.

It is also popular to add the question:

Tell me a bit about your experience with your last landlord?

It certainly can be educational.

Pam Storm · Answer

Have your acceptance criteria down and relay to the prospects before you agree to show the property.  Specifically ask if they meet that criteria, to respect each others' time. Only then set up an appointment.   It is not a bad idea to send your application in advance but I wouldn't require any of it being completed in advance.  This last bit shows your professionalism while setting expectations and weeding out those who are just calling and making multiple appointments.

Billy Smith · Answer

Yes I  prescreen  over the phone I have lots of tire kickers who like the area but can not afford  the  house. I just ask them what the gross per month income  is  the number should be 3 times the rent .

Justin Kline · Answer

Wow, all of these responses are filled with such valuable advice. I thank you all very much!

What Should I ask for prior to showing a rental property

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