Does anyone use online applications for your rental units?

[Monica Kovalsky]

Hi all, 

Wondering if it makes sense to move to online applications with our rentals.  Sometimes it is difficult to read the handwriting of the applicants.  Has anyone had any success with this?  What tools/system do you use?  

Thank you!

[Paul Ronto]

I think most people have access. I could be wrong on this, but with almost all phones having web access these days, even if they don't have a computer at home, they may have access on their phone, or have access to a computer at work or at the library. I know it could be a barrier for a small number of people but it's not a huge one, you could bring your laptop and meet them at a coffee shop if needed, in my mind, it's still better than a paper app. 

@Katherine S.  as for your question, I use it to screen every prospect I see. There is a ton of value in the answers people provide in their application. I customize my application a little as well per property to make sure I am getting the right people in each unique unit. I also am collecting rent online, it's is a game changer to me, it's limiting the number of excuses tenants can make for being late, and it's allowing me to account for funds more easily since it's all recorded and maintained in one place rather than checks coming in from different tenants at different times. No chance of losing a check ever again!