Hartford, CT · Member since 2015 · 7 posts · 3 votes
Hello BP world. Have been following for about a year. But now have a 3 story rental property (i live in one of the units, have 2 other floors vacant) and need help from you all.
I posted my property for rent on craigslist and insist on pre-screening all those who express interest. So far I have not gotten any returns to my pre-screening questionaire. Also I do not give them my exact address. So I am a bit puzzled as to whether its because the people so far got scared off because they were in bad standing, or because they dont want to answer these questions, or if im doing something wrong.
Now in my mind, i feel safer to wait until someone does take the time to answer the questions as it will show me that they are serious and qualified.
But my question is, am I breaking any laws by only sending them the pre-screening questionaire without offering them an application or address of the property?
Screening will save you many a headache financially and literally if you trying save pennies and lose dollars. I don't give the exact address just cross street to a generally idea of the area on Craigslist. Craigslist is not what it use to be. Zillow gives you far greater pool of potential renters and they seems to be far more informed group. On Zillow, I do give the address. Also on Zillow, I can get a slightly higher rental rate. Zillow has tools that help the landlord, such as your local surrounding rent rates are and how long they have been available This help me in setting my rate. They help you with application process by using SmartMove.com link on their site. I use it for the rental application which the tenant fill out online on the SmartMove site. This help them feel more comfortable filling out online and help give your a level of credibility. This app they fill out is for credit and background checks. The cost is $35. You are given a choice of you paying for it or having the prospective tenant pay for it. I always chose to let the other party pay for the credit check. I start my initial screening by asking what their income, who will live there, how old are the kids if any, and how long they intend to stay. Being too fearful will run people away. Good prospecting and good luck to you.
Kool K. I believe as long as the screening is not discriminatory in any way you're safe. here on BP you can find a "how to screen tenants" article I would start there. I'm writing through my phone so can't give you the link or else I would. Take my word for advice. Screen screen scrennnnn I'm going through some bad times now because of it so... Screen lol Good luck
"Thank you for your interest. I prefer not to reveal the location until I have some idea about your renting qualification and seriousness, I hope you understand. If you don't mind, please answer the following questions in order to help with the pre-screening:
***Please answer for each person that will be occupying the apartment***
Name and phone number:
Why are you moving:
Credit score:
Occupations/positions:
How are you paid from your employer?: (every 2 weeks, every week, etc)
What is your monthly take home paycheck (after taxes) from full time job:
Current full time employer:
How long have you worked at your current employer:
Are you planning to or are starting a new job:
Do you have any part time jobs:
If currently renting, how long have you been at that location:
What is your current rent amount:
Have you been late for paying rent in the last 2 years: may explain if yes
Do you have references from current and previous landlords and employers:
Number of individuals that plan to be occupying this apartment:
Number of children that plan be occupying this apartment and age:
Number of vehicles that you plan to have on this property and are they registered with the DMV?:
Do you have any pets and what kind:
Have you ever been arrested:
Have you ever been convicted of a crime:
Have you ever been evicted:
If interested will you submit a rental application($35 cash) and consent to a credit and background check:
Are you able to pay 1st month rent($950) and minimum security deposit of $1050 before signing the renting contract:
When do you plan on moving in:
How long do you plan on living here if you like it:
When are you available to see the apartment(days and times):
Any other information that you would like to share about yourself or your situation:
Thank you for your time to complete this, as we accept only serious inquiries and do not wish to waste anyone's time. Also we want to be very caring for the rental property and anyone who lives here therefore hold any applicant to a high standard. You will be notified shortly after returning the completed questions and given the address and ability to view the apartment. Hope to hear from you soon.
Kool K. Though it is good to be organized I do think that most prospects would not be comfortable giving you all this info without seeing the place or at least knowing where it is. The reason I say this is that you do hear of scammers and I would imagine that without speaking to the landlord and/or seeing the place that may be a red flag for a renter. I do like your pre screening idea but what if you spoke to them and asked them some questions first to feel them out. I don't think you need all the info you put there for the pre-screen until they actually apply then you can ensure to do the rest once they are interested in the place.
For me I pre screen briefly over the phone with 5-6 questions and if their answers meet criteria, I'll set up a showing for them.
Maybe you can try that first and show them you are not a scammer looking to steal their money and give them a bit more to go off of.
Just my 2 cents
Good luck!
I agree with Sarah.... You're on the right track with your criteria but you need to pace these information requests as you build a rapor with the prospective tenant. Remember, they are potentially as nervous as you about scams.... Be honest, be direct and be open and things will come together.
Screening will save you many a headache financially and literally if you trying save pennies and lose dollars. I don't give the exact address just cross street to a generally idea of the area on Craigslist. Craigslist is not what it use to be. Zillow gives you far greater pool of potential renters and they seems to be far more informed group. On Zillow, I do give the address. Also on Zillow, I can get a slightly higher rental rate. Zillow has tools that help the landlord, such as your local surrounding rent rates are and how long they have been available This help me in setting my rate. They help you with application process by using SmartMove.com link on their site. I use it for the rental application which the tenant fill out online on the SmartMove site. This help them feel more comfortable filling out online and help give your a level of credibility. This app they fill out is for credit and background checks. The cost is $35. You are given a choice of you paying for it or having the prospective tenant pay for it. I always chose to let the other party pay for the credit check. I start my initial screening by asking what their income, who will live there, how old are the kids if any, and how long they intend to stay. Being too fearful will run people away. Good prospecting and good luck to you.
agree with joe moore. i use zillow and craigslist for generating leads and rentapplication.net ($40 for full scale checking) for tenant screening. my logic is that if a tenant cannot submit a strong application, they will not spend $40..so it is self selecting in a lot of ways. also, i share all possible information about the property, so that i get candidates that are well aware of what they are getting into. no nasty surprises. also, it is the right thing to do...at least for my business.
@Sarah Larbi took the words out of my mouth. I just read a CL scammer email that read very similar. The difference is that this scammer used a property that was already listed on the MLS for sale. I completely appreciate your concern, but I believe that part of the marketing process needs to be attracting the renter to want the property first. Your questions are great, but will be better received by renters that really want your property.
I see your point guys, I may be scaring prospects away before I build any rapport with them. Maybe I should just ask a few important questions instead of getting their whole life story uh? I shall change my approach starting with the next person interested. Thanks for your input. I will update you.
I do list the address and post pictures - - location is important to the tenant as it is to the owner.
I don't 'pre-screen', but also do not show without the application being submitted.
With the application in hand, I evaluate the applicant as to passing my criteria. (aka screen for real) If they pass, I pull the CR/BG reports. THEN I decide to invite them for a showing and offer the lease for signature.