Potential tenants wanting to move in same day

[Paul Evans Jr]

Hi all,

Every time I list a property, I get at least 1-2 people who contact me and want to move in that afternoon/evening. I always tell them no for a number of reasons, one being that the background check usually takes at least 1 day. Also, it just seems like a red flag to me. Has anyone ever let a tenant move in the same day they contact you? Interested in others’ opinions and stories. 

[Bill B.]

Let me guess they want to write a check. :-)

Nope. No can do. Maybe a STR or even MTR where their home flooded or hurt down that day but I'd drive by the old place. They're either screwing their old landlord, getting evicted, writing a bad check, or expecting to fail the background check. Tell them to get a hotel rental for a week if they need somewhere to live. It should be almost as cheap as your rent.