Changes I am making (by Laura [MD]) Apr 27, 2021 5:12 AM
Changes I am making (by RB [MI]) Apr 27, 2021 7:50 AM
Changes I am making (by Nicole [PA]) Apr 27, 2021 7:54 AM
Changes I am making (by NE [PA]) Apr 27, 2021 8:07 AM
Changes I am making (by WMH [NC]) Apr 27, 2021 8:28 AM
Changes I am making (by Jeffrey [VA]) Apr 27, 2021 8:34 AM
Changes I am making (by Jeffrey [VA]) Apr 27, 2021 8:53 AM
Changes I am making (by GKARL [PA]) Apr 27, 2021 9:02 AM
Changes I am making (by NE [PA]) Apr 27, 2021 9:07 AM
Changes I am making (by WMH [NC]) Apr 27, 2021 9:18 AM
Changes I am making (by S i d [MO]) Apr 27, 2021 9:37 AM
Changes I am making (by Robert,OntarioCanada [ON]) Apr 27, 2021 9:40 AM
Changes I am making (by Robert J [CA]) Apr 27, 2021 10:00 AM
Changes I am making (by GKARL [PA]) Apr 27, 2021 10:23 AM
Changes I am making (by WMH [NC]) Apr 27, 2021 10:49 AM
Changes I am making (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Apr 27, 2021 10:55 AM
Changes I am making (by Nancy [NJ]) Apr 27, 2021 12:51 PM
Changes I am making (by WMH [NC]) Apr 27, 2021 1:04 PM
Changes I am making (by PG [SC]) Apr 27, 2021 2:32 PM
Changes I am making (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Apr 27, 2021 2:41 PM
Changes I am making (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Apr 27, 2021 3:13 PM
Changes I am making (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Apr 27, 2021 3:16 PM
Changes I am making (by Ken [NY]) Apr 27, 2021 3:22 PM
Changes I am making (by WMH [NC]) Apr 27, 2021 5:16 PM
Changes I am making (by Jeffrey [VA]) Apr 27, 2021 5:26 PM
Changes I am making (by WMH [NC]) Apr 27, 2021 5:29 PM
Changes I am making (by Hoosier [IN]) Apr 27, 2021 10:45 PM
Changes I am making (by Anna [PA]) May 4, 2021 9:17 PM
Changes I am making (by Chris [VA]) May 9, 2021 10:10 AM
Changes I am making (by Laura [MD]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 5:12 AM Message:
I already use an auto respond to rental inquiries with a list of questions. My changes include updating my questions to ask if folks are willing to provide (in advance of a showing):
- Government issued photo ID
- Proof of income
- Proof of being current on rent
- Self pulled credit report (will let them know if they apply I will pull a credit report also)
- Why are you moving BESIDE need more space? This in particular has been quite informative. Some by letting me know they can’t follow directions and others by telling me information that disqualifies them.
I am expecting this to greatly cut down on showings. I find folks answer the questions one way when the reality is quite different.
I called my local Fair Housing office to run my new criteria past them. They said while it was unusual they did not see any problem as long as the criteria was applied to everyone.
--108.56.xxx.xx |
Changes I am making (by RB [MI]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 7:50 AM Message:
Good for you !
Screen x3. (Time and Effort)
The most important step in the process.
--199.192.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by Nicole [PA]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 7:54 AM Message:
I doubt most would give you all that - especially if they are higher end units. There are a lot of scams and your requests would be handing over everything needed for identity theft ... and you can then disappear into the night without them ever getting a foot inside the door. --72.70.xxx.xx |
Changes I am making (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 8:07 AM Message:
I wouldnt provide all that just to view a unit that I may or may not want to rent. --70.44.xxx.xx |
Changes I am making (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 8:28 AM Message:
- Government issued photo ID
- Proof of income
- Proof of being current on rent
- Self pulled credit report
I wouldn't be comfortable providing this info before even getting a viewing. Lots of scams out there and this info is more than enough to steal someone's identity.
I get bringing a photo ID to an actual appointment and providing a copy of it with an actual application.
I get requiring them to state their household income during prescreening (you can prove it later) and having them state they are current on rent (and proving it later.)
Smart people wouldn't give you this info, so I think you'd end up with a bunch of dumb a$$es. --50.82.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by Jeffrey [VA]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 8:34 AM Message:
Actually I think many "cooperative" applicants will provide what you are asking. And in these times of limited rental availability, I think this is indeed the time for landlords to tighten their criteria. All it seems you are really doing is having applicants go through the application process "before" physically showing the interior of the property (though plenty of pictures available online). And that has become the normal procedure for us during these times. --70.161.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by Jeffrey [VA]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 8:53 AM Message:
Though the one thing on your list I would not require from an applicant is a "Self pulled credit report". --72.214.xx.xx |
Changes I am making (by GKARL [PA]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 9:02 AM Message:
Let us know how it works out. I think an expanded explanation on the move reason is something I need to do. Anything you can do to get folks to screen themselves out is a good thing IMO. I went through over 200 prescreening forms to find one tenant. --172.58.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 9:07 AM Message:
I often make more per month on mid-grade units from app fees than I do rent. It's a given that I want to keep the total riff-raff from viewing the units, but I have no problem charging the dreamers an app fee. I do lockbox, so it's no waste of my time to allow them to show.
Don't forget about those app fees. --70.44.xxx.xx |
Changes I am making (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 9:18 AM Message:
Jeffrey, I understand what you are saying, but I'm guessing folks are finding your places listed on your corporate website. You are a business, you have people to answer the phones and such. Renters would trust your site, I'm guessing.
I *think* Laura is essentially a small LL like me, and people do question our credentials sometimes. For instance, we don't have an address they can visit, we don't even have a phone listing in our business name. We have a tiny web presence but anyone can do that. So it's more of a leap of faith for people to entrust us with all that info prior to even hearing a voice. And smarter folks are more mistrustful because they understand the risks. --50.82.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 9:37 AM Message:
WMH, regarding Jeffrey's strategy: why not try it? What do you have to lose? Give it one month, and worst case you're out a month's rent. It's not the end of the world. Best case, you might find that screening gets far easier and cooperation goes UP!
Btw, I don't use self-pulled credit either. Too easy to fake.
Regarding websites: it doesn't cost much to design a "corporate" looking website. You're not competing with Lowes and Wal-Mart. You're competing with the local mom's and pop's and maybe a handful of professional managers. Visit their website, take notes, and find yourself a VA with web-design skills and/or a budding college IT student who'd love to earn $200 plus a spot in his/her virtual portfolio to show a future employer. Show them that website and say, "Build me something like this." --107.216.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by Robert,OntarioCanada [ON]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 9:40 AM Message:
Found if in the ad that rental applications after viewing will be provided to all adult applicants a lot of them never call or show up as they are aware that will not qualify. If they are aware that utilities are separate then the problem tenants owe utilities where they can not sign up. Now as rentals are few and far between problem tenants are not able to find another to trash out along with playing the no rent game. In the province of Ontario a credit score of 700 and above or you walk. --99.236.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 10:00 AM Message:
I always must memorialize my minimum "standards" on applicants before placing the ad. --47.155.xx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by GKARL [PA]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 10:23 AM Message:
NE, you and Jason have me rethinking the whole thing with the app fees which I currently give away to a service. If I can come up with a way to make it fairly seamless I may revamp my process and start collecting the app fees directly. --209.122.xx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 10:49 AM Message:
Sid, I ask for most of that and more. It's the things that lead to identify theft that I don't want to touch until I want to offer them place.
We'll see. --50.82.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 10:55 AM Message:
I think you can get around the suspicion of scams by changing that to asking them if they will be able to provide those things when they apply. Just letting them know they are required will weed out a lot of flakes.
Of course, as soon as you give a list of requirements, you will get a scammer who will set about to fake the information, so you will have to screen carefully.
Myself, I would not send all that personal information to a total stranger I found on the internet. You are probably scaring away good applicants.
And why don't you want tenants who are moving because they want more space? --76.178.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by Nancy [NJ]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 12:51 PM Message:
GKARL - I am thinking the same after reading NE statement .... why let service or realtor if you can adapt a system that works
My son's friend told my husband and I - he went to look at an apartment - as he walked in the door was handed an application, if he were to fill it out it was a $25 application fee to processes it - he could pay cash or card ( they had the square D attached to a tablet to take the fee.
He said while he was there several other people including couples there to see apartment - the couple each had to fill out individually as well as the fee.
--69.127.xx.xx |
Changes I am making (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 1:04 PM Message:
Locally, there are virtually no rentals. Property Managers are even losing their stock of vacation rentals to private owners. So the application fee thing has become a big revenue stream. They KNOW they have nothing to offer, but to find that out you've got to fill out the application and pay the fee. --50.82.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by PG [SC]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 2:32 PM Message:
LAURA - I require all 12 of my pre screen questions to be answered - 9 or Yes/No - 3 or short answers. I don't ask for a Photo ID. Also I require written references.
Last unit that I filled - 44 Inquires - 2 filled out all the questions - One walk-through that rented the house.
The walk through is more screening questions and a means to determine the character of the prospect.
The last eviction I had to do was because I DID A POOR JOB OF SCREENING.
For me - These days you can't screen enough. --184.63.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 2:41 PM Message:
I submit that what you ask them to bring isn't the important thing. The thing you should be checking is do they follow directions - thus are trainable.
If they are proven trainable - I typically want them if they can manage their life. This is ever so important in your class C properties.
Truth be told if you want them and YOU forgot to give them something to bring, they are still qualifiable - just not during that visit.
Question for the group - how quickly are you able to get someone qualified?
--24.154.xx.x |
Changes I am making (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 3:13 PM Message:
Laura,
Good for you! Always reviewing processes.
Short answer: Complete a full app with fee before showing.
And they do.
Me? What is the objective: Help good applicants experience the home so they feel comfortable renting it.
So...to "show" the home we provide LOTS of photos, video walkthru on YouTube (free) and full description ONLINE because THAT is where they shop.
We provide the app online with a $25 fee to cover 2 adults. That's cheap.
No pre-app, just the full app. They complete it an pay.
Our current approval rate is 1.5 out of 20. I just avoided 17.5 or more showings to wash-outs.
I have not shown a vacant home in the last 1,000 leases.
If they pass the "paper" screening we give them the lockbox code. People seem to like this system.
If still interested we do the 2 Minute In Home Visit prior to final approval.
I resisted charging for apps for 40 years, thinking I would miss a good person who was hestitant to pay (Cheap like me!).
BOY WAS I WRONG! We now bring in $1500 in fees. That's $720,000 I left on the table.
BRAD
--73.102.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 3:16 PM Message:
PS
Get selfish with your time.
Zillow is eating up too much of our time just responding to their easy click "I want to tour the home" buttons.
Spend your time on the folks who are ready to cooperate with info on their app AND qualify.
They don't get to see the home and burn up my time just because they asked.
And pre-screening eats up more of my time.
In our current economic climate there are way too many non-qualifying applicants out there, asking for our time.
BRAD --73.102.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by Ken [NY]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 3:22 PM Message:
I would never pay an app fee before i saw the unit to even know if i want it or not --72.231.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 5:16 PM Message:
Key, all Real Estate is local. In some areas, any of these tactics works. In others, many don't. --50.82.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by Jeffrey [VA]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 5:26 PM Message:
Ken and others, a lot of landlords greatly limit the way they run their rental business simply because they see everything from the limited lens of "I would never do it". I challenge landlords to stop measuring what applicants and residents may do based on what "you would do". Times are changing rapidly from the way a lot of us are used to doing things. There are TONS of things that the average landlord would not do that applicants and residents now do. And if the truth be told, I've run into many landlords who I would not want to rent to.... because they would be demanding, too independent thinking, non cooperative, non-trainable, too set in their ways, or cheap-minded. And of course, I'm not talking to anyone on this site:). --70.161.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 5:29 PM Message:
SNORT! :) --50.82.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by Hoosier [IN]) Posted on: Apr 27, 2021 10:45 PM Message:
Laura, I like the way you're headed. The fact that Fair Housing says it is "unusual" is a compliment, to me that means you're doing things that others are not.
I don't ask for quite as much info as you...but I do have an automated pre-screening app that I point applicants to. What I'm looking for is:
1) Do they have enough initiative to actually read the ad (for example on Zillow) and see that they need to go to a website and fill out the pre-app...versus just clicking the "I want to see your property" button on Zillow.
2) Can they follow instructions and answer a few basic questions FULLY and articulately
Although I do look at the answers to their questions, the actual answers are actually lower on my list of importance than #1 and #2 above.
Way to keep improving! --99.92.xxx.xxx |
Changes I am making (by Anna [PA]) Posted on: May 4, 2021 9:17 PM Message:
Could some of you share the name of and where.I could find some of these pre-screening apps? Currently.I am lam listing minimum qualifications in my ads. This gas reduced my inquiries substantially down to the serious ones who will likely qualify. I am still able to fill my units fairly quickly and at good rent. I am however manually by talking to the prospective asking the pre-screening questions but am interested in trying trying the apps. I do not by the way want a.website, but an App s ok unds interesting. --174.202.xx.xx |
Changes I am making (by Chris [VA]) Posted on: May 9, 2021 10:10 AM Message:
I just saw this thread - such great ideas!
My latest discovery as of 2020 is to use NextDoor dot com with Facebook as my 2nd choice for posting available homes.
Facebook is great because you can block those that are clearly not qualified. And you can check out their social media to see if they really don't smoke, if they really don't have cats, and if they show evidence of substance abuse or wild parties in their photos. But the drawback of fb is that you have to sort through 150+ inquiries to find the qualified...
So, using NextDoor means you get a handful of inquiries with a much higher percentage of them being qualified - probably at least 3 or 4 out of 5 would qualify. I don't post details, but just that I "manage" rental homes in the area and that we will have something coming up w/ # of bedrooms & bathrooms & the neighborhood, and that they should PM me if interested. Then I can still go search them on social media.
I also search the NextDoor posts for "rent" and "rental" and then PM those who have posted that they are looking for a rental home. The drawback to NextDoor is that you have to use your real name, but once they PM me, I give them my GoogleVoice number to text and all NextDoor communication with them is stopped. (I also post a more general listing on fb marketplace under our fake fb account - with a photo of Neuschwanstein Castle and a $1 price tag - that we will have some rental homes becoming available, and to PM me if they would like to be on a list - posting on fb is just a backup plan, since there are fewer hits on NextDoor to wade through.)
So in 2020, thanks to NextDoor, after pre-screening we had ONE showing, and I have a great tenant in that home. And I just last Thursday we entered into a new two-year lease from a NextDoor inquiry - this with a woman who is in a sad divorce situation from a high-level local county gov't official. She wants to stay in the same (top) school district for her two kids and rent for two years while the family home is sold and the settlement wraps up. So after at least two or three phone discussions with her, she was top choice, and I only showed the home ONCE.
I would love to hear if anyone else has used NextDoor, and how that works in other places. We are very pumped about using this and about the time it saves. --71.246.xxx.xxx |
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