Should criteria be sent out

Question

Just wondering, with getting so many requests via the different Zillow, Truila, etc would you email your criteria to the interested so they can see if they meet the criteria or not?  Thus, saving both you and the potential renter time to move on?

Thomas S. · Answer

Absolutely. You want to weed out as many unqualified applicants as possible. Make sure you inform them that you do credit with a minimum requirement, , criminal and eviction screening. You also want to let them know if pets are not allowed, smoking etc.

Theresa Ross · Answer

Thank you so much! Information well received!

Linda S. · Answer

@Theresa Ross,

I just went through this last month,  if I were you, I'd come up with a really nice, non-generic sounding email,  with all the details of criteria-- stating what is preferred, and what is a requirement for your next tenant.   Put everything you think they might ask in there-- what's security deposit, accept pets, accept section 8, application fee, background requirements,  when is an open house,etc.. Tell them upfront what it is,  and majority will self eliminate, and the ones that do respond might be a good match!  Copy/Paste, and be quick to respond!     This will get rid of the majority, at least that's been my experience, much easier to think about 5 qualified people than 20 that don't.

Bettina F. · Answer

We only change rental criteria prior to advertising a vacancy -- so our criteria would not affect existing tenants.   I would be afraid to change criteria in the middle of advertising a vacancy -- too easily misconstrued.  In this instance, or if you realize that your advertised rent is too low, pull the unit off the market for 1-2 weeks, re-word your ad and written criteria (in your business policy book) and re-advertise.  For Zillow, where you get a ton of click-bait responses, we have a canned email with more photos, information about the neighborhood, and info on the application process.  We do not give our criteria per se, but do let applicants know that we do a comprehensive background screen including credit/criminal/eviction and verify income and past LL references.   We charge a $35/adult application fee.  This lets many people "self screen" out.   We send this information out to people who have requested more information.  We only consider these people a prospect if they respond a second time

Theresa Ross · Answer

Thanks for your quick reply. I have a follow on question if you don't mind. Lets say that I automatically send the criteria to the prospective tenants, then I decide that I want to change the criteria - how can I do this without potentially falling into "discrimination". Would it be as simple as sending it to everyone that has already received it (in this case, ~180 people)?

Should criteria be sent out

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