Hmmm, interesting. I can see it from both sides.

Kind of related thinking:

Don't suppose it would make a potential squatter think twice if they had to sign something saying they have no right to occupy until after X,Y,Z is done?

Jason,

I see the validity of such a release but agree with Ken it would be tough to enforce.

Our last 1000 leases or more have been lockbox self tours. If 5 people looked that's 5000 tours without a hitch.

We DO require they text us when they lock up.

BRAD

If I were to put a lock-box on rental for private people to come to view the property to rent it, this is what would happen:

A) No matter what document they'd sign, I'd be in Hot Water!

Once a person has "access" not even just the Key in California (Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Culver City, the San Fernando Valley and more)

They would have legal possession. All they would have to do to prove it is make up a phony lease. Change one lock so they have a Key to show police, AND put something into their name--such a a TV Guide subscription, a landline phone, gas service, water and power, cable, lawn care contract, etc.

Then when you found out someone was living in this rental and then called 911 for help, the squatter would have a key, Phony lease and some service put in their name. The police would say, "This is now a civil matter, take them to court".

They you'd have to hire an attorney and do an eviction, costing your $10,000 to $35,000 and taking between 7 months to 2 years to get your rental back.

Jason, I talked to my insurance guy about something similar a week or so ago.

Bought a house and the owners are still there. Gave them 30 days (because the boss wanted to be nice) and I was concerned about them tripping and suing me when I didn't even have possession.

His thoughts were that no hold harmless or liability waivers were needed unless I knew there was a problem at the property.

Of course the first thing he always says is that anybody can sue for anything. But, at least in my area, he doesn't see how it would hold up in court. Again unless I knew there was an unsafe area, but then I wouldn't be showing the place anyhow.

All I do is have them fill out the application before they go in. Sometimes I have them send me a picture of their DL or state ID. I should do that every time but as of yet I have not.

Hmmmmmmm.