Do you prescreen interested parties for a showing?

Question

When a current apartment is rented with tenants, and you need to rent the place for when they leave, do you have them fill out an application first? I currently use Zillow for applying, but I'd have to tell prospective tenants to apply with credit check and a fee there.

What is the best approach to prescreen tenants so that I don't waste my time and current tenants' time on someone who don't qualify?

Nathan Gesner · Answer

First, I have my application instructions, my scoring sheet, and my rental criteria all posted on my web site so they can review that before applying.

Before showing the house, we ask if they have pets, if they are going to be living with anyone else, and how much money they make.

1. If it's a no-pet property or has restrictions, I can find out if the particular pet(s) will be allowed.

2. If they want to move in with other people, I can determine whether the rental has restrictions on the number of occupants or if there are different application processes they need to follow;

3. If they don't make 3x the rent for the property they want to see then I won't bother showing it.

These three questions knock out a lot of lookers that would otherwise waste my time.

Daniel J Aldrich · Answer

max t.  Could you provide me a copy of your short form as well?  I purchased my rental fully rented with good tenants but one of my tenants is closing on their own house soon and i need to start screening tenants

Michelle G. · Answer

I only have a few rentals, I advertise on Craigslist and specifically state that to move in you need 1st, last and security and that totals $6000. or whatever the amount is.  Then when I receive my email replies I ask for who will be living there, where they work, income and reiterate no pets.  I'd say after that I am down to about 25% of where I started and I then talk to them on the phone.  I guess it is a lot of steps but worth weeding out one bad tenant.  As noted above, I also check for a facebook page.

Michelle

Marc Winter · Answer

As property managers, we show many units.  To streamline the appointment process and pre-screen we like the Showmojo platform.

We also pre-qual with the same type of questions previous posters have mentioned and point the prospects to the application paperwork needed and our approval criteria on our website.  (Hint:  don't ask "DO you have a pet?", ask "WHAT KIND of pet do you have?")

Also, for safety sake, we insist on a copy of their state-issued photo id (driver's license is fine) before showing the prospect. They may text/email or come to the office to make a photocopy.  If they won't do that, we won't show it.  (95% comply).

Dennis M. · Answer

Absolutely and I use Facebook which permits me to prescreen even further with a little digging  . I’m not wasting my time or gas to go over to meet with losers that I don’t want living in my house !

George V. · Answer

Do you mind sharing this form? Thanks

Max T. · Answer

@George V.

I use a google form via email. It automatically stores all responses. I have 5-6 basic questions on there. It is not my full application.

George V. · Answer

That's a good idea.

Patrick M. · Answer

I email a .pdf application- 1 page to be completed and mailed back. I do this to see if they are serious and because I don’t want a “stranger” entering my tenants home.

Do you prescreen interested parties for a showing?

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