potential tenant

[Jordan Marshall]

I have a rental property that I have been working on. I had a contractor give a lady that was interested in the house my cell number and she has been calling me non stop ever since. The house is not quite ready , and I have told her that. I told her I will give her a call once its finished and she can come pick up an application . I was thinking I can just let her know any further discussion concerning this property can be conducted on my office line and give her that number.

[Marcia Maynard]

Open and honest communication is best.  

Explain to her that the contractor was mistaken about the availability of the house.  Inform her that if and when the house goes on the rental market you'll be advertising it in your usual manner. Since you already took down her name and number and promised to call her as soon as the house is "finished" and available to rent, then follow-through on that promise.

Politely, but firmly, tell her not to call your mobile number again. Let her know the contractor was wrong to give it out, as it's not for public use. If you have a different number you use for leasing information and with the public, I would give her that number. 

Treat her as you would with any potential renter.  Politely and fairly. If she calls the office number, then you can do a pre-screening interview with her by phone. You and she may find out she doesn't meet your minimum criteria to rent. Follow your written rental criteria and be sure it's not in violation of any fair housing laws. If she doesn't qualify, let her know so she can move on with her housing search.

In a tight housing market it's not unusual for a people to try to get a jump on a property before it's advertised on the open market. It is also not unusual for those seeking housing to call multiple times and to try to get a look inside a property that is undergoing renovation.

Whenever we are working on a house, we let the contractors know not to engage in conversations with the public or let the public onto the property. Too much risk and liability. We also don't want to lose out on good prospective tenants, so sometimes we have some of our business cards available for contractors to give to those who inquire.