For those that automate your pre-screening, how do you respond to someone (perhaps older non-computer literate) that says they don't use email or computer??

Can I refuse to make process available to someone who is not computer saavy enough to use my digital pre-screening?

Separate issue but related is that some jurisdictions do not allow you to require payment through automated procedure.

Thanks.

I have an office they can pickup paper app at.

O.K. so what I'm hearing is that I would only provide online link or voicemail message that provides link or perhaps text message giving the link and refuse any inquiry other than those that go through the link. I definitely see the value in that but I do have one concern, that being if a segment of my potential market was older, wouldn't I be losing out on those responses.

I had a guy tell me recently he wasn't "computer savvy" but the only place I am listed is online, so he found me somehow. And since I do EVERYTHING online, from listing to paying rents to requests for maintenance, I don't want anyone who can't use one, it is WAY too much hassle in the long run.

And when he told me he wasn't computer-savvy, he said, "I am 63, I am too old to be computer savvy."

EVERY person saying that to me in the last 10-15 YEARS has turned out to be a low life scammer. They typically also don't want to give social security numbers, drivers licenses, or previous addresses or landlords. TH=hey talk about being scammed, etc.

Normal good people don't have a problem.

I agree that you may be turning away some good prospects.

I'd have an exception process, but you need to recover the extra cost it requires for you.

Do you think this is a very rare thing? Or will it happen 5-6 times a year? If very rare, then tell them you'll need to add a $20 "convenience fee" or something and you can mail them an application once that payment is received. If that's too slow for them, you could meet them at a public place near your house. Just charge whatever your time is worth. If they kick and scream about the added cost, you probably don't want them as a tenant anyway, as the cost I've recommended is reasonable for the extra time you have to spend.

Another option would be to refer them to other family members who are computer savvy or they can get help from a local social services group.

If you think this will happen 5-6 times a year, then I'd go talk to one of the local social services groups and see if they'd offer to help such people when needed, then you can simply refer your potential tenants to them to get the computer help they need to apply.

When I say social services groups, it could be some type of senior center, or for example we have a county "department of family resources", we also have one called "aging and community services"...just go to Google and type...

WMH, I hear that all the time as well! I will be 62 this week and I have a relatively high end IT job. Most seniors have smart phones and many are ditching the computers but aren't very good at navigating said phones. My 80 yr old BIL didn't understand that if his wifi is off/not connected on his phone, he won't be able to print using his noko printing app on his local wifi network.

So the major online platform around here which really dominated the rental market in my general area for years was bought out by apartments dot com. Now there are other huge players in online rental advertising. I suspect zillow might be a favorite of those on this board. Is that true and is there any obstacle for those using zillow in posting a link???

We also only advertise online. We do things differently. They contact us us online, if they pass our written criteria then they get an open house date (usually two per week). Applications are free. We usually get a good number of applicants and I can pick the best from them without feeling bad that I charged a bunch of people $30. Pick the best from applications, check evictions, criminal stuff online for free. Then once all the free resources are exhausted and the potential is still "standing", I run the credit report.

Elena,

To pass your written criteria, is that from the free application you provide or a verbal exchange after they contact you online but before they receive application??

Also which system of electronic deposit do you use??

Thanks.

Hi Dino - no verbal exchanges until they come to the open house.

The written criteria is spelled out in the google form:

1. Do you have credit score 600+?

2. Have you ever been evicted?

3. Anyone in the household smokes inside?

4. Do you make 3 x rent before tax and can you provide supportive documents of your income

5. Do you have deposit in full

If they pass, they get the date and time of the open house.

Deposit: I either have them deposit directly into my "deposit only" bank account. Or transfer via Zelle or Cash app. No checks, no cash pick ups.

Thanks Elena.

Maybe solution is obvious but since I have never used deposit only account, I am wondering how do you distinguish who has made which deposit??

Dino - we only have 5 units with different rent prices, so I know which amount is what unit. Also, TD bank posts a copy of your deposit slip and you can teach tenants to put their initials in the top right corner, for example.

Another alternative is to have them all at slightly different amount rent: $599, $600, $601, $602, ETC.

Thanks Elena.