Tenant Application Process

[Eric Brantley]

Hello BPers,

I have a 4-plex in Blue Springs, MO (which is 15 miles East of Kansas City) & 1 of my units is up for rent.

I have received 1 application, fairly solid though I have not done my due diligence.

The dilemma is they’re not able to move in until 12/03/20. I’m hoping to have it rented out prior to month end.

So my questions is, how do I tell the prospective tenant that her application is contingent upon me receiving a qualified application w/ a sooner move in date?

[Kyle J.]

That's less than 3 weeks away, and totally reasonable.  You want a tenant that plans their move in advance, and - more importantly - provides notice to their current landlord that they're moving.  (Because that demonstrates they'll provide notice to you when they ultimately move out of your place.)

What you need to be worried about is the applicant that says they can move in tomorrow!   Those are the ones that are likely running from something and/or being forced to move/evicted from their current place.