What would you do?

Question

I am in the process of renting out my 2nd floor apartment. I have had several people lined up for viewings this entire week (I took advice from others the last time I listed my other apartment and really screened people prior to inviting them to see it, which limited the amount of overall people...thanks!)

My question is: If I have an appointment set up and only AFTER I text them a few hours before to confirm do they tell me they can't make it....do you reschedule, or just say NEXT! (no matter how much you like them so far?)

My opinion is that, if you schedule something and then bail AFTER the person reaches out to confirm, that is very unprofessional and should not be considered. Any thoughts?

Jeffery Griggs · Answer

@Robert P. I agree with you. If they don't have the common courtesy to let you know and reschedule they may not have the common courtesy to take care of your place or pay rent on time. Just my two cents...

Account Closed · Answer

I wouldn't give them a second  @Robert P. if you want class AAA tenants you want the most mature and responsible that now how to handle a appointment. in my opionion

John Horner · Answer

Do all your showings at the same time!

We take applications for a week or so before we show, then we tell all the applicants we will be showing the property for 30 minutes on a specific day.  Potential tenants will always bail on you.  We even call and confirm the day before and still we get a MAX of 50% actually show up!

Robert P. · Answer

Account Closed I think you are confused.

I am referring to appointments I have set up with potential tenants to view the property and then they bail on me, but only after I reach out to confirm. I'm asking if I should give them a second chance to set up an appointment, or just move on to the next person.

Robert P. · Answer

Thanks, everyone! I think I have the same thoughts as most of you. First impression is vital. If you can't make a good first impression, how will the rest of our journey together be? I want to get someone in there for June 1, but definitely don't want to rush into someone either that may not be worth it down the line....as always, I appreciate all the advice!

Marcia Maynard · Answer

Yes, telephone screen and then show the apartment to those who seem to fit your rental criteria. That does work well. If a prospective renter needs to reschedule, then give them a chance to reschedule. Life happens and can upset even the best laid plans. Be flexible, fair, and friendly.

Have applications available at the showing. Contrary to the opinion of some, in most jurisdictions you can collect a number of applications at the same time and then rank them according to your previously established rental criteria. Go forward with the top ranked application. After you've fully processed an application of someone who meets your criteria, offer to rent. Refund the application fees of those whose applications you did not select and process.

Steve Rozenberg · Answer

Think of it as them being on a first date... this is the best possible behavior someone can have. If this is the best and it is still sub-par, then just think of how your will have to follow after them for things like rent, lease issues, being responsible etc...

This is a huge red flag, if you do not see it you will after they move in and this problem can become something big, all because you saw the sign and chose to ignore what it was telling you.

If I were you, I would create a policy and procedure manual and write down like you are talking to someone that is going to take over your position. This would be a reason for non-acceptance, then you do not have to wonder it is just your policy and you are sticking to the rules.

Also something to remember is if you do not have a policy written down and you "Pick and Choose" in the eye of the tenant you could be sued for a Fair Housing / Discrimination Lawsuit.. always put it in writing and treat every prospect identical... That is how you run your business and stay out of getting sued.

Robert P. · Answer

Correct. The last time I listed my apartment, I had an open house and invited anyone and everyone to come and see it. This time around, I spoke to them on the phone first, asked them many questions, and only allowed the people I thought would fit the criteria to come and view it.

Not sure how you got I was expecting people to fill out applications before viewing it out of that.

Make sense?

What would you do?

Most Popular Reply