Efficient Solution for Screening Tenants

[Jeff Thompson]

I’m looking for a way to efficiently pre-screen tenants.  My normal process, is that they indicate that they are interested, I show them the property, they fill out and application, then we execute an agreement for lease.  Ideally, I’d like a pre-screening step between an indication of interest and showing them the property.  Of course, I could do this with a phone call, but there are some that I feel like are just reaching out with no real interest (or ability to rent), such that calling them back is wasting my time.  I’m wondering if there’s a way to have them fill out a quick survey or do I just maintain a standard text message with questions?  One thing I see often is that I’m sometimes 30 minutes invested into a tenant before I discover that the rent is grossly out of proportion for their income.  I’d like to make that one of the quick screening items.  I’ve never stated my income requirements in the advertisement, but considering doing so.  Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

[Cassi Justiz]

So I have a few ideas that I learned from my mentor that you may find valuable. I do open house style showings.  I also have most questions they could ask as part of my online listing (application fees, pet fee, W/D hookups, etc.). 

So when people call I just let them that I'm doing an open house at whatever time. 1. It shows everyone that there are other interested in your house and 2. You don't waste your time showing one person who gets there and  decides they don't like the paint color. 

I don't do "pre-screenings" since I just invite them to stop by the open house but I do let them know what my basic requirements are. Basically my script goes like this "I'm glad you are interested in the property. Just so you know, the basic requirements for the property include income of 3x the rent, good previous landlord recommendations and a favorable background and credit report. Would there be anything that you can think of that would keep you from being able to meet those basic requirements?"  If they feel like they may be a good fit for those requirements, I will let them know when the open house is and invite them to stop by.