Lowering rent is an instant message -we are accepting slobs over here-, works almost every time, take it off market 2-3 weeks then raise the rent for better crowd to look.

JKJ,

Careful friend. This encounter sounds a lot like your otjer post.

You can NOT deny until he has submitted an application.

First, no need to stagger appointments. More than one person can walk thru a house at the same time. Usually one is a little early and the next is a little late. Helps breed competition.

Next, HAND every person an app. And have spares on the counter, available to everyone.

Why did this turn into an argument? This is a people business, not a house business. As any professional would do review what you did and said to learn how to diffise and also make certain you did not raise the level.

And know that when dealing with the public some people are weird. All you can do is be safe and keep moving forward.

Perhaps #1 knew #2. Maybe they are related or dated the same girl. Or maybe he was off his meds.

THIS is why I stress personal safety, no home addresses, and I use a nickname when dealing with prospects.

BRAD

I can't imagine that a LL in MA would have to lower their rent by almost 10% to get it rented in our current rental shortage. Rents in Boston & the surrounding areas have gone up well over 12% in the last year. In my market studios & 1 bedroom units in older but neat & clean buildings are renting in this price range without much down time.

As far as your 1st viewer encountering the next viewer, I've had similar things happen especially during an open house. Hopefully you explained the situation to the 2nd viewer. As far as the 1st one goes, if asked I would allow him to fill out an application & screen it following my normal procedures. Of course as you say "he's pushy" & this will factor into my decision process.

JKJ - a few questions before I go into the confrontation of the prospective tenants.

Is the $1,600 a month that you WERE asking/getting the same amount or higher than the "new" apartments? What are the differences (other than the pools, etc)?

If the new places are the same as yours but are very new/updated with all the amenities I may understand BUT then you should be looking to see if they upcharge for those other amenities. Just because they have the pools, garage, gym, etc. there may be additional FEES or charges for those in order to use them. So the $1,600 could be for a small, one bedroom "new/updated" apartment but doesn't include all of the other amenities where yours is $1,600, 3 bed, living room, dining room, garage but doesn't have the "bang" of being "upgraded".

Don't sell yourself so short. In the above I'm just guessing at what is offered in both (theirs and yours) so obviously you need to figure that part out. I am only illustrating that just because they are "offering more" don't assume it's all included. In addition, you are stating THEY are having trouble filling their places as well and are now "dropping" and offering things "free" or for a less charge. Watch it here … they may be doing that for a few months then raising it back up or whatever. Don't believe everything you are hearing.

I would make an appointment with them and go through the place. Check out your competition … maybe they really aren't YOUR competition.

As far as what happened with the prospective tenants - yikes. I do try to stagger them in showings. Specifically when the current tenant still lives there as I don't want or need a ton of people milling about in the apartment.

If it's vacant - I may stagger but I'll also throw some in if they call and pass a pre-screen. I have gone more for the stagger since for some reason, many prospects will just assume the other person may get it and not apply. I then get no applications. So now I typically stagger the appointments.

Back to the confrontation - I would have said "look, this isn't anyone's apartment yet so until I receive an application and you've heard from me that you're approved AND leases, money, etc have transpired there will be continuous showings." If they have a problem with that - that's THEIR problem.

Just remembered...

Got a call from an upset resident. "Get the sewer guy off my property!"

"But your sewer line is clogged, backing up into your house. He's the guy to fix that."

"I don't care. He's having an affair with my wife."