Screening tenants that text

[Jestin Sorenson]

So I read Brandon Turners book on Landlording and thought it was really good. He has a phone questionnaire in a list of documents you get with the book, but some of the people that reach out only text. The questionnaire is supposed to give you a feel for how the tenants will be before you show the place. That screens some of the people that most likely wouldn't qualify and saves time by not having to show the place. I work a full time job.

How can I screen someone if they're only texting? Does anyone have other ideas to screen before showing the property? I've pushed people to call me, but I don't want to miss out on potential tenants and some haven't responded.

Also, I think I could be putting my potential tenants through so many hoops, that it may be a turn off for them. This is my first experience as a landlord and I hope I'm going about it the right way. I have a really nice place in a C area of town. Prob too nice compared to the neighborhood. Neighbor is section 8. I gotten a few section 8 requests, but I think my place is too nice.

[Barry H.]

JUSTIN - First of all - nice to hear from someone in MN !!  I graduated from Hamline U "back in the day."  I have self-managed about a dozen rentals over the years and the "texting" thing drives me nuts.  At the time of tenant screening and such, you pretty much need to cater to them.  When they fill out an actual application and don't provide an e-mail address, it is a major red flag for me and I did turn down a potentially qualified applicant once because they said they refused to have an e-mail account.  My spidey senses told me they were a professional tenant and I am glad I passed on them.    

I rented to a couple where one of the 2 adults had an e-mail address but the other did not.  That was as far as I was willing to go.  My rental agreements also clarify that E-Mail IS THE PREFERRED MODE of communication RE any/all issues and that verbal discussions are NOT binding.  I make no mention of "text" in my agreements and if I sense an issue is getting hairy (while texting back and forth), I text the tenant to check their e-mail.  By using E-Mail as your official means of communication instead of written certified letters (except when required by the Court in the case of an eviction), you are setting the rules.