Please share a template for your application

[Jennifer Fernéz]

Is anyone willing to share a template for the application they give tenants?

Also, the transunion credit and background check is almost $50 per person. Do you pay all of it, some of it, etc?

Just starting out. I’ve had about 15 people inquire about my new property, and of those I want to send an application to 3 so far.

Thanks!

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Jennifer Fernéz:

It sounds like you are embarassed to charge the $50 fee. If you're unwilling to charge a common fee, I wonder how you're going to handle a problematic tenant who is late on rent or responsible for paying the plumber to remove a kid's underwear from a clogged toilet.

How will you conduct a credit/criminal screening without an electronic application?

If you feel bad and want to save people money, start with a free pre-screening. Interview them by phone or during the showing to see if they will meet your basic standards. If so, then you let them apply. If they lie and don't pass your screening, that's their fault.

It helps to have your screening criteria written down so you can share it with them. I provide my application and screening criteria on my website so applicants can look for themselves before spending any money. If they refuse to pre-screen themselves and then feel their money is wasted, it's not my fault.