After advertising our vacant unit, I had several people fill out an application right away, and now I'm getting a round of people who just want a showing to see if they are interested BEFORE they pay the money to fill out the application (on Zillow, which is $29 I think, because it includes credit/background check). Is it customary to do showings before people even apply? Just checking! TIA
Yes, definitely regular and normal to show the unit before people apply @Hilary Graves . Find the happy medium and pre screen your potential tenants before investing the time to show the unit. If I were a renter, I sure wouldn't be throwing money at everyone in the form of an application fee just to have the privilege to view the unit.
Markets vary of course, but this is what we're doing in CT / western MA.
I would set up a day for showing and put it on your zillow listing or facebook marketplace listing and let them see the property. Then you can make your decision.
Thank you- You are all making good points. I am a newbie, so I’m refining the system already :-) I made a Google form for everyone to fill out, as a prescreen, whether or not they have filled out the application through Zillow. Thanks for enlightening me everyone! Next time around I will be way better at this!
I do wonder though, do I need to send an official “rejection” form to explain why we are not showing the property to certain people (such as “you did not meet the minimum credit score requirement”) and can I put this form in my own words?
I do small commercial space, but I require the application filled out before showing. If the prospective tenant likes the space and their application looks good they can then do the background and credit check.
I always try to show the property before accepting an app. About the only time I accept an app before the showing is when they are out of town. I want the applicants to want the property before filling out the app. I don't want to waste time and money without them wanting the property.
I'm all about pre-screening. No way I'm showing it or receiving applications randoml9r providing my number.
Questions in my ad must be answered to get a reply from me. Prior to me replying via anonymous email, other background steps are taken. One showing, one tenant.
WA taught me this with their (now declared unconstitutional) first-come, first-serve rule. I am grateful they forced me to amend my screening system to one of serenity and a quiet phone.
@Hilary Graves That's like test driving a new car without a valid drivers license. Not wasting my time for a potential tenant.
I think it's more akin to checking out a new car (opening the doors, sitting in the seats, taking in the new car smell, etc.) on a lot rather than test driving. Test driving a new car without a driver's license would be the equivalent of a potential tenant spending a night and making dinner in the property before submitting an application. Not that anyone does this as far as I'm aware of.
Yes, definitely regular and normal to show the unit before people apply @Hilary Graves . Find the happy medium and pre screen your potential tenants before investing the time to show the unit. If I were a renter, I sure wouldn't be throwing money at everyone in the form of an application fee just to have the privilege to view the unit.
Markets vary of course, but this is what we're doing in CT / western MA.
I prefer the happy medium route as well. I pre-screen tenants upfront (questionnaire to gather information in advance about prospective tenants - you'll be able to weed out a lot with this step) and narrow it down to a select few, which are then welcome to view the property should they desire. If they like the property and want to proceed, then the full application along with a background check is required.
I would not force someone to pay a fee for an apartment they have never seen so no, i dont make folks fill out an application before they tour. Application comes after they decide they like it. Also, since I am in Oregon, I dont want an application from someone who has not seen the unit as by law we must give the unit to the first person that appliesand qualifies. So i do my best to only have parties apply that really want the apartment. Also, I always ask myself “how would I feel if I was the person looking “ and there is no way I would pay to see an apartment
After reading the replies I am very curious and amazed that people are willing to give out sensitive personal information to an unknown entity for the privilege of touring a rental. I also can see how somefolks might feel they are being discriminated against if they apply before meeting you/seeing apt and get declined after the meeting ... i would really be concerned about discrimination lawsuits
Finally, @Hillary Graves do a google search and find your local rental owners or multi family association - they will be an excellent resource for you for trainings etc. you might also read your states tenant/landlord laws as it will inform you on what is required, what you must do and what you cannot do - important info if you want to be a LL!
I definitely pre-screen electronically or via phone before showing the place. Pre-screening includes: income requirements in very plain terms (annual income) as some ppl don't seem to comprehend what 3x rent really means, no smokers, pets, etc. I schedule multiple ppl at one time. Usually a Saturday morning with a short window, like 1 or 1 1/2 hrs max. I'd rather have them lined up waiting their turn instead of me waiting for no-shows. I show each party individually and the others wait outside. While showing the property, I review the requirements again and many stumble over the "how's your credit' question when you look at them head on. Some liars snuck in, but very few.
You eliminate tire kickers through pre screening. You do not need a application in advance when you know how to screen. Set your screening standards, ask the questions during your pre screening interview and kick those that do not qualify.
If they are not filing a application this is already eliminating the tire kickers. They are likely not going to pass screening anyway so don't worry.
For myself, I show the property first before application. I set up a day just for showing the property to couple of people, and then I give out the applications to interested ones.
I'm asking tenants for a year in advance now. The reaction to that is a pretty good screening moment. Amazingly the first one I asked paid. They moved in March 1st. Of course, they wanted to see the unit first. I think it's odd that people would rent without seeing the unit. I always shoe the unit. I get to see their cars and size them up. I've actually passed over potential tenants who were rude or made idiotic remarks during the showing. Showings are good. It's a one on one business in the end.
The application packet is available at the showing. It is also emailed to them (upon their request) and I ask them to bring it with them to the appointment or open. What has been effective is to only accept the completed application packet AFTER prospective residents have seen the inside and outside of the property. I also want to know they have investigated the neighborhood and feel it will be a good fit for them. Hope this helps.
@Hilary Graves I’ve always did the showings before asking for an application because it can be anything that causes them to not want it once they see it.
What do you use for your screening process/questions?
I only ask four questions prior to screening:
1. Is your monthly household income above three times rent.
2. Do you have any animals? If so, what type/breed, age and weight?
3. When are you looking to move?
4. Verify no more than two unrelated adults will occupy the property.
These are just pre-screen questions prior to showing. The listing has requirements too, but we don't double up so as not to play 20 questions and scare good prospects away. It is a balance.