Renting to someone you haven't met

[Sarah D.]

Hi all,

I'd love some advice and insight based on experience.  I have my first unit listed for rent and have received 3 inquiries from people who are moving to the area and have local family friend or family member who wants to come check out the unit for them.  If you have encountered this situation I'd love to hear your opinions on this type of situation, and the best way to screen the tenant.

As a side note, I did rent a place that way when I moved away for college, but it was at a large corporate complex where I suspect that is relatively normal.

Thanks,

Sarah

[Colleen F.]

I have had people skype the potential renters for a showing  This was the friends doing the skypeing not me.  It has not resulted in an actual rental though I found it a good intro to the Potential renters. They also got a better feel fot the rental. 

  For students I have had subletters for a bedroom who I did not do an inperson meet, generally this worked out ok. They were friends of thier co-renters though.

 I would hesitate in some circumstances depending on the backstory  because you need to be sure you are dealing with real people with stable income who are who they say they are.