preliminary tenant application

[Amy A.]

Hi Folks,

Does anybody use preliminary applications before showing apartments? I find that I waste a lot of time with people before finding out they aren't qualified. I have created a one page form that I can send to all Craigslist inquiries to gather basic information before proceeding. They can fill in the blanks and don't even need to print it. Do you think applicants will balk at this, since they've only seen photos of the apartments? My response would be that, for my safety, I need to know exactly who I'm meeting at the apartment. Craigslist now anonymizes email addresses of respondents, so I often have no information about people who request showings. I do not ask for SS#s or any questions that would not comply with fair housing (somebody in my state recently got slammed by Fair Housing for asking # children on their application).

Do you think this is a good idea?