Tenant screening email

[Justin Pumpr]

Hi all,

I've recently posted my ad online to which I'm getting a lot of interest. However, when I send out my screening response I'm seeing a huge fall off.

The process is:

• Receive an inquiry via Trulia, Zillow, Craigslist, or Hotpads
• Respond with my screening question
• If they meet the requirements then I setup a viewing

All communication is done via email at this point, as I  was receiving at least 10 calls a day and don't have time to answer every one.

This is my screening email:

Hi APPLICANT NAME and thanks for your interest!

I'd love to arrange a viewing for the property, but before can you answer these few questions first, so I can make sure you're a good fit:

1. Why are you looking to move to this property/neighbourhood?
2. When do you plan on moving in?
3. What is the combined income of all adults in your household? The minimum gross income requirement is $5,625/month.
4. Can I ask for references from your previous landlords? This will be done during the official application process
5. Are you ok with me performing a background and credit report check during the application? This will be done for each adult 18 and over ($35 fee per person)

Once I've received these details back and assuming everything is ok we can proceed with arranging a viewing.

Thanks!

Justin

Does anybody see any issues with any of this, or is the falloff I'm experience pretty common (i'd say for every 10 inquiries I get, I receive one response to my screening email)?

[Wesley W.]

Remember, it's not quantity of responses you want, its quality.  I realize it's a number game, but nevertheless.

I ask my screen questions right in my ad.  If someone responds and doesn't answer them, that tells me enough about that person at this point that I delete their email without a response.

Those that do answer the pre-screening questions all get a personal response, even those that don't qualify.  (I have templates I cut & paste for common responses.)  Successful pre-screened prospects get an email summarizing the on-boarding process (heads up on background checks, pet policy, etc.) and an offer to show the property.  I also include the address in this email and suggest they do a "drive by."  Since doing this, my no-shows have dropped off noticeably.

I used to do the phone, but ceased for reasons twofold: (1) many phone calls were from people that did not pre-screen themselves by reading my ad, and it was a waste of my time, and (2) many people prefer to email/text, so I am using the medium they prefer.

Good luck!