Pre-Screening Tenants and how to Properly Decline Them

Pre-Screening Tenants and how to Properly Decline Them

Rental Property Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2021 · 231 posts · 188 votes

Hey guys! So I recently listed the other side of my duplex for rent, and whenever I get a message about it, I send the same response to everyone saying "thank you for your interest in this home. Please fill out this form and I will get back to you regarding a showing", and then I put a Google forms link. This link asks basic contact information, if they have pets, if they smoke, credit score, income etc. If someone fills this out and I see that either their credit is very low, or maybe they have pets/smoke which does not meet my criteria, how should I properly let them know I cannot move forward with them? I am using this method so people can disqualify themselves before either of us waste our time going through the process. It is important everyone basically gets the same type of message so I don't violate any fair housing laws. I am planning that if I get enough leads through the form (obviously not everyone will be honest), then I will schedule some showings, and then after those showings I will have people fill out an actual application. Does anyone have any tips about how I should handle this? Or any input that might be useful for me? I'd really appreciate it!

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Anthony McEvoyPro Member
Investor · Champaign, IL · Member since 2018 · 160 posts · 114 votes
3y

You simply state they do not meet the minimum rental requirements.

I have bluntly told that to candidates.  Its easiest with rent.

Do the candidates know what your requirements are?  If you put an actual number for the credit score and income, then it will be more obvious they do not qualify.  Always use numbers when you can.  Also, state all information will be verified.  Don't get me wrong, no matter what you put on the form, there will always be someone that tries to go through the process.

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  • Anthony McEvoyPro Member
    Investor · Champaign, IL · Member since 2018 · 160 posts · 114 votes
    3y

    You simply state they do not meet the minimum rental requirements.

    I have bluntly told that to candidates.  Its easiest with rent.

    Do the candidates know what your requirements are?  If you put an actual number for the credit score and income, then it will be more obvious they do not qualify.  Always use numbers when you can.  Also, state all information will be verified.  Don't get me wrong, no matter what you put on the form, there will always be someone that tries to go through the process.

  • Rental Property Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2021 · 231 posts · 188 votes
    3y

    Should I say which qualifications were not met? Or just simply that they don't meet them?

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    3y

    If you list the actual qualifications, they will know that they don't meet them right away. When I used to list my places, I usually wouldn't even get back to everyone, too many people sometimes. They can message you if they want to know but I think most people get it.

  • Bjorn AhlbladPro Member
    Investor · Shelton, WA · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    3y

    We keep a DB of anyone who has ever applied and a note or two about them. It is a repeat business-especially for the applicants. Everything we do is designed to eliminate. If someone does not call back or does not fill out a form we never chase them or call them. We do not do any showings to unqualified applicants. Our basic requirements are clearly stated in the ad. 

    We will advise people of why they were not considered or did not meet requirements-if they ask. We do that to be fair. "You do not have any rental history" "don't make enough money"etc. Generally people will drop themselves off. Underlying you are screening for a responsible, mature mindset, people who pay their debts and expect to be rewarded, or not, by their conduct. Eliminate any freeloaders. All the best!

  • Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2021 · 9k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    3y

    Give them a deadline of when you're going to make a decision and pick the best qualified 

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Thomas O'Donnell:

    Include your basic requirements at the top of the form:

    "If you do not meet the following requirements, you will not be approved. Please take a minute to honestly pre-screen yourself. If you have questions about this, please call me."

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