Prospective Applicant's Facebook Page

[Ted Klein]

Whenever I list a property for rent and get inquiries, I get a name and then search for a Facebook page of the prospective applicants name and our local area. I realize that in a large metropolitan area, that there is a potential for multiple hits on the name, so I look at all of them.

I then reply in an email with a mention that the property is being rehabbed (it really is) and would be available at a later date. If they are still interested to reply and we could arrange a phone call. In this phone call I ask the "pre-screening" questions that I feel are relevant and get a feel for their truthfulness in the responses based upon what I have found on Facebook.

On occasion I find information on Facebook that could be concerning in regards to potential drug usage and gang activity. How should this be handled as obviously I don't want these kind of tenants in my properties.

We run a background/credit check via Trans Union Smart Move and would like feedback on your experiences with this screening process or recommendations on what you use.

Also, please tell me how you have handled this or if you have other ideas on how to pre-screen potential tenants without a perception of bias.