Application process for tenants? 1st time landlord here

[Sam T.]

Hey everyone, I'm in the process right now of trying to fill my first rental and I'm kind of just figuring things out as I go along, regarding the smaller details anyway. I'm starting to generate interest in my property and I don't have any formal application yet for would-be tenants to fill out and submit.

Would directing everyone to my ad on zillow and having them apply through there be a good way to go for now, as a small-time landlord? I like that tenants can pay for their own background and credit checks and do everything through there. Seems pretty simple on my end.

Any suggestions?

[Mike McCarthy]

@Sam T. My process is as follows: -post ad on zillow, Redfin, etc. - interested parties call or email for a showing -I call them to do a quick screening in the phone and set up a date/time. During this screening I ask about income, move in date, and other important items. -in person showing (trying to group people in the same hour or two knowing that about 50% won’t show up) -anyone who doesn’t show up and doesn’t call/text prior is removed from my list. -during the walkthrough I discuss move in dates, security deposit, application process, etc. -i tell everyone who walks through that I’ll email them the application link and explain details of the application process -EVERYONE who walks through gets an email thanking them with a link to the application (anti-discrimination) -I use Cozy for the application, but there are others that do it for you. -I’m most interested in their income, verifying their credit and income matches what they told me, and of course no criminal/eviction history. Good luck!!