How to minimize BS people

Question

Hey!  I am having a problem down here in Atlanta.  My qualifications are faily simple and put on my advertisements and applications.  I have had my house empty and advertised since May.  I have had only two applications which I rejected because they did not meet my qualifications (and they KNEW it).  I've also had SEVERAL people say "I saw the house, liked what I saw, and want to meet you to turn in the application" never to keep their appointment.  
My question: does anyone have any recommendations to discourage BS people?

Bill Gulley · Answer

You can't blame people for trying. The sleeze balls are thinking you might miss something and they might be able to talk their way in, probably since they have beend successful before.

As to missing appointments, we always required potential tenants to call 30 minutes before the appointment and confirm that they will be there. I usually say, give me a call 30 minutes before the appointment because I will likely be tied up with something and might forget. I alsdo tell them that I can't take off and go to meet someone that does not show up, so if they don't call, I won't be there!

Jon Holdman · Answer

The BS goes with the territory.  I schedule multiple people to see the property at the same time.  I only show once a week.  I discuss my qualifications on the phone and when I meet the person.  If someone calls and want's to meet me to give me an application, I do it at a place convenient for me.

If your place has been vacant since May, something's wrong.  Most likely the rent's too high.  Could be the condition, though, that's pushing down the rent it will bring.  Have you checked competition?  A drive through the neighborhood and calling all the "for rent" signs might reveal a different market than you think.  Even it you mean it was vacant at the end of May, that's a pretty long vacancy.

Steve Babiak · Answer

The other difference is I WANT to go to THEIR place to get my application!  I want to see how they take care of the place they live in now, because it's a very good chance that if you accept them you will see the same at your place.

Seems to me to be more BS with the people who see the internet ads as compared to those who see the sign on the property.

Tracey B. · Answer

Brian, some of my units are very hard to rent too. I charge market rent and will wait as long as possible to get the right person in. I have an issue right now with a tenant i took in out of desperation, but i will never do it again; I recommend you open the doors to section 8 or other voucher people that you can get to pay market rent. See how in your area you can advertise to those people as well as craigslist with pictures, postlets and local newspaper.

Brian Gardner · Answer

Now, I will say that here in Atlanta, there's a rather special set of circumstances in place.  The legal eviction process takes about 30 days for the judge to tell a non-paying tenant to get out.  However, the law enforcement officers may not act on that court order for 2 months, AND in my county, if it's raining the day they're supposed to do the set-out, the Marshals will reschedule for about 2 weeks later.  Thus, my own opinion is that I'd rather have a vacancy indefinitely than a bad tenant.  People here are looking for the landlord that will let them "slide" and I'm just not that pressed.  As a landlord, I'm VERY comfortable with the vacancy.  As a 15 year real estate appraiser, I'm more baffled and frustrated than anything else.

How to minimize BS people

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