Screening tenants before or after they tour property?

Question

Guys,  when you have interested renters do your run checks (credit/background) before a tour of the property or do you typically do it once they have viewed and express interest in moving fwd?

Tim Herman · Answer

@Alex K.  Have a list of what you are looking for in a tenant: Credit score of ???, no evictions or evictions past 5 years, no criminal history or ok with misdemeanors.  List the major qualifications on the ad. When they call or text reiterate the qualifications. This acts as a self screening tool. I hold open house style showings. Maybe 6-8 pm on Thursday and 1-4 on Saturday. This way when someone no shows it is not wasted. Once they look at the property I again tell them that I will run a comprehensive check on them. I get their email and send them to the link of where they can apply. All people living at the house must be screened. The renters will pay the fee and you will be notified that the results are in. Pick the most qualified unless you are in a jurisdiction where the first to apply that meets your minimum qualifications is granted the rental.

Scott M. · Answer

Difference between screening and running checks.  You should always prescreen over the phone or email or using forms to make sure they quality and so they can make sure they qualify.  No need wasting yours (and their) time if they don't make enough income.  So, prescreen yes.  Some may fill out apps prior to seeing the home.  More common today then 18 months ago.  if you have a ton of people interested you can just do an open house but they are bit to manage if you have never done one before so be prepared to panic when 10 families show up and you are not sure who to talk to, follow etc....