Showing prospective tenants the property remotely

[Neil Hunter]

My current tenant is about to move out, and I'm thinking about ways to make the transition to find the next tenant smoother. Some questions:

1. One thought I had was to install a keypad lock. I'm a little confused on which one I would get. Since my tenant will be responsible for their own internet service, I can't rely on a WiFi-enabled one, like August. Is there such a keypad where I can generate temporary passcodes *without* internet access? (see my use case below). 

2. Anyone ever schedule a "remote viewing"? My idea is to have them book a time when we're both free, and I would give him a temporary code to a keypad lock. Then we would FaceTime or some other means, and I could remotely meet him and answer his questions while he is free to wander about the house by himself. Is this a bad idea?

Any tips much appreciated.

[Alex Smith]

Neil,

Not sure about your budget/monetary constraints, but we use Rently to show vacant houses. You hang a digital lockbox, and prospects sign up for an account. They pay $0.99 via credit/debit card (pre-paid cards are not allowed) and they submit pictures of their license, and the $0.99 is good for 30 showings or 30 days, whichever comes first. You don't have to worry about generating codes, it's all automated. We've used Rently for 3 years or so and have only had one major issue dating back to two years ago. We understand the risks, are upfront with our owners about them, and will make issues right should any arise from using Rently.