Tenant Application Process, Screening Services, etc.

[Kim R.]

Hi fellow investors,

I am getting ready to show one of my rentals for the first time since purchasing it in August. It is a 1 Bedroom, 1 bath with c-class tenants. I am thinking of using an online screening service for background, criminal, credit, evictions. Most of them to appear to only spit out the overall picture to you but not show you the information that the applicant put it. This is fine, but how do you call the landlord and employment references if you don't have access to that information? Do you have them fill out a hard copy application as well as an online application? If so, would you mind sharing both your hard copy application with me and the screening service you use and are happy with?

Next, what do you instruct the potential applicant to bring to the showing? (pay stubs, license, etc?)

Finally, what do you ask the employer references? Can you give me a sample list of questions?

Thank you!!

Kim

[Nicole A.]

Hi Kim!

I have C-class rentals too. You probably will find lots of people making money under the table. I still require that they be able to provide proof of income so cash under the table doesn't work for me. These people do exist.

I also do open house showings. I found I was stood up too often with no-shows for individual showings.

I do not ask they bring anything to a showing. They're just looking at that point. I do have applications for them to take if they want to apply after looking.

I can email you the application I use. Let me know. They are required to include with the completed application a copy of their driver license/state ID, a copy of their SS card so I have their SS number, and at least one month of pay stubs. If something is not included or application not fully completed, I do not even begin to do any background check on them.