Skip to content
×
Try PRO Free Today!
BiggerPockets Pro offers you a comprehensive suite of tools and resources
Market and Deal Finder Tools
Deal Analysis Calculators
Property Management Software
Exclusive discounts to Home Depot, RentRedi, and more
$0
7 days free
$828/yr or $69/mo when billed monthly.
$390/yr or $32.5/mo when billed annually.
7 days free. Cancel anytime.
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated over 1 year ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

1,343
Posts
888
Votes
Alan Asriants
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Philadelphia, PA
888
Votes |
1,343
Posts

Look at a Tenant's car when choosing applicants...

Alan Asriants
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Philadelphia, PA
Posted

When screening a tenant, don't just look at a tenant's application and credit score

Their application will tell you a general idea of whether or not a tenant is qualified, but it won't show you how they will take care of your property.

When I look at tenants, I try to see the car they drive. I don't care about the make, model, or year, I only care about it's condition. 

The car's condition is a sign of how they will treat your property. Is their car clean? Messy? Lot's of damage and scratches?

Another thing I pay attention to is:

How do the prospective tenants walk into the place?

Do they barge right in? Do they ask to take off their shoes? Do they formally greet you?

Are they constantly pointing out problems and asking you if things will be addressed? (Negotiating before even submitting an application about nit picky things that don't matter)

What do you guys do to screen your tenants besides an application?

business profile image
Alan Asriants - New Century Real Estate
5.0 stars
59 Reviews

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

28,061
Posts
41,068
Votes
Nathan Gesner
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Cody, WY
41,068
Votes |
28,061
Posts
Nathan Gesner
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Cody, WY
ModeratorReplied
Quote from @Alan Asriants:

Their car and behavior may present some red flags, but you should never approve or deny someone based on the condition of their car, their ability to maintain eye contact, or the firmness of their handshake. What if you reject someone for a dirty car and it turns out she's a hard-working single mom that doesn't have time or energy to maintain her car because she works her tail off to pay bills and spend time raising her kids right? 

You're subjective discrimination is likely to get you into hot water with Fair Housing. Your approval or denial should be based on objective criteria that identifies the level of risk a potential renter poses to your property, income, time, or sanity.

  • Nathan Gesner
business profile image
The DIY Landlord Book
4.7 stars
165 Reviews

Loading replies...