Do you require visting a prospective tenant's residence?

[Scott W.]

I have read to do this - that way, you can avoid the hoarders, dogs who chew up the place (if you accept pets), tenants who are overly messy, too hard on the unit.

The other side of the equation is they may think you're asking too much & move on to rent from the competition.

What do you do?

[Rob K.]

I read a book on landlording and the guy said he would go to the house unannounced. When he walked in, he would ask himself two questions:

1. If this lady made me a sandwich right now, would I eat it?
2. Would I want to clean up this house after they move out?

If the answer to both was yes, he approved them.