Why do tenants make appointments and not keep them?

[Aly W.]

As a new rental owner, I'd like some feedback from tenants. In the last 3 weeks, I've had 25 people make appointments to see my rental house.

I've confirmed with several the day before. I also ask when making the appointment that they please give me a call if they can't make it.

So far, not one has shown up for their appointment. I've called a few, and the reasons range from "I was in the hospital" (2 of them), to "I'm getting in a cab right now", and "I forgot about it, I'm on vacation this week".

This weekend, 3 people called to see the house. I asked them to call an hour before they'd like to see it, and none did. So at least I saved myself a trip.

But I'd appreciate input from tenants as to why they make appointments, even confirm them the day before, then don't show up. Thanks!

[Tom C]

Besides these people being irresponsible, they are also very impulsive. I find that they somehow go through life jumping at whatever turns their eye at that moment. They are not dependable. They do not show up on time for anything, because they expect people to give them whatever they need and the only time they get motivate is when either pushed into a corner or it fits their needs. I always knew about these type of people, in fact I have had friends that are like this.

I did not realize that such a huge segment of our society was like this. I always figured that it was small portions of a certain area in a city where these people hung out. In my fishing hole, I have found that 3/4 of the total population is like this. Everyone I run into seems to have this mind set.