Rently?

[Mike McGee]

Looking for feedback from those using Rently, a lockbox/service which allows prospective tenants to let themselves in to view a property. http://use.rently.com/how-rently-works/

Seems a little scary to me. Any horror stories?

[Eric G.]

Property manager here. My company manages over 500 units in Southern California. We transitioned to Rently last year and it's been a huge success. I had the same reservations that most posters have had, but it turns out all my fears have been unfounded. 

On the positive side, we have more showings and we are leasing properties quicker. I'm sure we lost many prospects in the past when they couldn't coordinate a convenient time to visit with our showing agent. Now they can schedule at their convenience. 

The biggest issue we've had is that prospects have left lights on. My biggest fear going into Rently was similar to posters above: what might people do unsupervised?  Sure, people could use a stolen credit card and steal the fridge. Or squat. But then again, the people that are looking to do those things can do a quick zillow search and see a dozen vacant homes for rent within a mile radius. It's just as easy to find an open window or jimmy a lock. In fact, id think that would be preferable to putting down a credit card on record. 

It's not perfect, and there are some properties it doesn't work for, but I'm here to say I've had a positive experience so far.