All Forum Posts by: Troy D.

I use my Mysmartmove.com for tenet screening. Application costs prospective tenet $40 and takes just a couple minutes. They are a part of TransUnion, one of the larger credit score companies, so you get background, credit, and criminal check and they make recommendations. It’s easier for me to “blame” them for denying a potential renter

Having an online portal is a great way to streamline your application process, and relieve yourself of the collecting issue.  It also does the pre-screening for you and runs background/credit.  A site like Zumper is good for that.  There are dozens out there if you google it.  There will always be people who want to physically hand you an app and app fee.  If so, NEVER take a personal check.  Always require certified funds (money order from Circle K or Walmart, or certified check from their bank).

NEVER take a deposit to hold anything!  Your property should remain available UNTIL you have a signed lease, and a certified check (or money order) for, at minimum, the Full Security Deposit, which becomes non-refundable in the event they back out before move in.

When you have people competing, it always comes down to the most qualified candidate.  All things being equal, then it's the lease that will start the soonest.  I have had tenants who wanted a Jan 1st start date execute for a Dec 15th lease so that they could ensure that they got it over the other Jan 1st Tenant.  That's more money in your pocket.

@Troy D.

When people call, we repeat info on the property and the requirements list. Apparently people don't read too often nowadays and you need to repeat things to them over and over. We don't ask them any pre-qualification over the phone, we wait for the showing to do that. If they agree, we set a showing. We try to group the showings on the same day and as close in time as possible; an hour apart preferably. If the person decides to go with through the rental then they fill out the rental application and give us a non-refundable fee of $40 for background check.

We used Mysmartmove.com by Transunion. They give you Eviction, Criminal, Credit and if their pay is X amount higher than your rent fee.

If they don't meet our standards, we make a print out of their report (Just in case they want to contest our decision) then text them that they were declined.

For married couples, each one must make at least 2x the rent because people break up and move out all the time, you need to make sure your rent can still be paid by the person left behind.

Every person over 18 must apply - I do a two step process.  The initial application is free and that includes employment, income, landlord info.  Once I review the application and determine they qualify so far I have them complete a credit/background check through my smart move which charges them $35 (they pay them).   I find this gives me the most applications to choose from and have my pick of tenants.

When I do open houses I guide all prospective tenants to complete the free application online by a set day/time - I don't touch their money till I have approved them through both steps and they have signed a lease.  

If you have people fighting over your unit and want to rush to put down a deposit - your rent is too low