Your rental/ open house policy

[Jeremy Marek]

Question for you Landlords out there: What is your process for showing a unit and screening tenants? I have heard that some landlords require an application and background (which would include a fee) before they will even show the unit. 

When an email or call comes in, I just let them know the open house date, without collecting any info. Is that not advised?

My reasoning is that since it's an open house and I usually have a number of people show up, if some show that aren't qualified, it doesn't really impact my time, since I am going to be there already anyway.

Have you found a better way? 

[Anthony Wick]

Q&A On Tenant Screening:

For Tenant, prior to scheduled showing:

• 1.What is your preferred move in date?
• 2.What is your monthly salary? We require 3 times monthly rent.
• 3.Have you ever been evicted?
• 4.Have you been convicted of a felony?
• 5.Who would live here?
• 6.We don’t allow pets, do you have any?
• 7.If you like the property, are you willing to fill out an application for a credit, criminal, and eviction history report? It is at a cost of $40.

For Tenant, if they are interested in signing a lease:

• 1.Fill out preliminary application.
• 2.Verify application for 3 times monthly rent income, pay stubs, no felony, no evictions, at least 1 year on job.
• 3.Query all adult names in state Courts Online system.
• 4.Query Facebook.
• 5.Query County Assessor page for properties in their name (foreclosure?)
• 6.Contact last two prior landlords.
• 7.If applicant passes preliminary screening, send online application ($40 fee)
• 8.Review screening for 600+ credit score, on time payments, income, eviction and criminal history. View what types of debt and how much.

For Prior Landlord(s):

• 1.How long were they tenants at address?
• 2.Did they always pay rent on time?
• 3.Is there a copy of the rent records to obtain?
• 4.Did they, or is it anticipated, that they will get their full damage deposit back?
• 5.Did tenant give notice to vacate, or are they breaking their lease?
• 6.Would you rent to them again?

For Employers:

• 1.Do they currently work for you?
• 2.What is their position?
• 3.How long have they worked for you?
• 4.What is their current salary?
• 5.Is continued employment likely?