All Forum Posts by: Luis Pereiro

Hello, I'm going through my first screening process with potential tenants. I have come across a couple issues. One poor applicant is having both. I have tried multiple times to reach the property management company. I seem to either get hung up on before I can even talk to anyone (they pick up, I hear them chatting in the background, then hangup without saying anything) or I leave voicemails that do not get returned. I also now have 2 applicants where their job's HR department refuses to speak with me and direct me to www.TheWorkNumber.com for a VOE. Now this site charges you $27.95 or $34.95 to access the information each time you verify an applicant. One poor couple is experiencing both issues. One of their main complaints for moving is poor property management. I can see why. Has anyone experienced this? I feel like it is justifiable reason to disqualify the applicant since I am unable to verify. But seems wrong because it is not their fault. I would like to hear other landlord's opinions. Thank you for taking time to read.

Update: they decided to reschedule to this weekend or next week. I'm going to the next applicant. Another though I have to see if I am doing things correct. I have multiple interested parties which I have spoken to and prequalified them over the phone. Most of them have viewed the property and when they ask if the home is still available I tell them it is.  I have graded each prospect and plan to call them back in the order I most prefer. Is that legal to do or is there a specific order I must follow?

@Chet Jennings I may have a listing coming up soon as well in Wimauma. 1200sf Concrete block home on a 1.6ac corner lot. It will be around the $120-130k range. It will be a small rehab job. It may be too soon but its atleast a month away from being ready. Resolving some ownership issues (multiple owners) but when its ready if you like I can contact you.

TBREIA is good. They pretty much have weekly Meetups at different locations. North Tampa, South Tampa, and Brandon. I am also a member of Tampa REIA and they also have other groups which meet in St. Pete, Sarasota and other locations. Those are the 2 biggest ones I know. I would definitely start there and network. You will here about others through those meeting.

Thank you all for your input. This is all really good information. I just got off the phone with the sister. I did confirm that he is on Disability and states that he receives $1100/mth disability along with approx $1500/mth working with Walmart. So he is right at the borderline for the income qualification. I advertised $2,500+ combined household income. Another question I have, should I find out what his disability is or is it non of my concern. I assume I will find out tomorrow when I meet him. I do have other tenants which I have qualified as well. This one just stands out because of some of the positives which I have stated. 

Hello. I have a unique issue with a specific tenant. Here is the story. During my open house Saturday, lady comes to me that she would like her brother to rent the property from me. But that he can only afford to pay $1000/mth, so she is willing to pay the difference of $150 for the 12 moths up front, which I think is great and immediately consider him as a top candidate. Today I call and speak with him. Not sure what is the best way to say this without sounding offensive, but the brother is "slow". He is able to answer most of my screening questions. He states that he has been working at Walmart for 8yrs but doesn't know how much he makes, but works Mon-Sat. He actually lives in the same neighborhood and reason for moving is he wants to live alone. currently lives with roommates. I also find out that the sister is the landlord. I have set an appointment to meet him Wednesday to show the property and review his last 2 months pay stubs. The money upfront is a big plus and I would love to be the one to help those that are less fortunate. The sister also wants to install SS appliances and upgrade the lighting accessories in the home at her cost. All great, However, I am a fairly new landlord and cannot afford to make a mistake. Any advise on how to pursue a tenant with disabilities is much appreciated. My gut feeling is telling me to be cautious on this one. Sorry for the long story.