I guess I finally got that badge of honor. I had someone come look at a house of mine and wanted to do a second showing. However, they wanted me there for it. I reluctantly agreed. It should have been my red flag (and it will be in the future). I got over there and they wanted to basically do the check in. They started opening windows, turning on faucets, flush the toilet, etc. They were asking me if the cable works. I had to tell them I had no idea because tenants are always switching from Dish to cable to Direct TV, etc. Cable running would be done by the cable company when they turned it on. They then wanted the owner's phone number. Ummm, no. I'm the manager, you can ask me whatever questions you have. At this point, I was done. They were denied. They had a MAJOR attitude on top. I let them know that this wasn't going to work and I wished them luck in their housing search. To say they were mad would be a bit of an understatement. They then got on Zillow and wrote a negative review. It wasn't exactly accurate either, but oh well.

I dodged the bullet on this one, but got a negative review in the process. I can now say I have my badge of honor like a few of you. I won't be adjusting my processes in the future on new tenant prospect. It's too bad Zillow lets you review the LL but the LL cannot review the tenant. I'm not sure I would waste my time with it even if you could. However, it could make for some entertaining reading for those who do.

Canned respones to that request: "everything is done through text for record keeping purposes. Do you have any questions about the property?"

Without being offended,

please explain to the class how (heavily)

you screened them, prior to the showing. (or not)

Should've added that after you give them that response they'll call you a scammer and how unprofessional you are and tell you where to stick it.

Doogie been there done that. I actually get satisfaction with turning off the lights and telling them this process is over. PLEASE leave!!!!

RB - I check criminal history through the online state site. I ask their income, pets, reason for moving (to attempt to gauge if they need it NOW for eviction reasons). They seemed to pass ok on all of that. If they want the place, then it's full application and background check. You cannot screen for attitude at this point.

razorback_tim - I hear you. I do the same thing. I have a process and every time I make an exception to it, it bites me.

myob - I agree. I really dodged a bullet here. At least it was before they moved in. I do think they would be better served with new construction, but it would be at least double the rent I am charging in my area. I wish them luck (or more like, I wish their future LL luck!)

Ally hit on where my mind was going, too. It sounds like you were outnumbered by angry people.

I HOPE you took some safety precautions - like at LEAST tell someone where you were going and the prospects names, and your estimated return time.