Tenant asking for an application on another property

[E.S. Burrell]

Hi,

I posted a listing on Zillow and received an application from one of my current tenants asking for an application. He doesn’t know it’s my listing. We were just at the property last Monday for 4 hours doing repairs and landscaping and he was there the whole entire time talking to us and offering to help. He said nothing about moving. He continues to tell us that we are very good LL and appreciates us. I’m kinda wondering why he didn’t ask if we had any other vacancies. He is an excellent tenant and I don’t want to lose him but understand that people move on. Apparently he’s looking and I’m preparing myself for the 30 notice. He is month to month and has been a tenant for a little over two years. The advertised rent is $400 more than his current rent. His current rent is $125 below market. I’m scratching my head….

Do I:

1) Call him and say, “Hey, I see you requested an application for another property that I own…”

2) Send him the application and say nothing and let him figure out it’s me?

Has anyone ever been in this situation?

Thanks in advance.

M

[Mason Hickman]

@E.S. Burrell

Sounds like a great situation! Good tenant wants to increase rent at another property and allows you to bring your other unit up to market rent. I would approach it with a happy and friendly attitude and bring it up to him directly. Sending him the application without saying anything would come across weird, in my opinion. 

Is the new unit in a different location, larger, or better amenities? It is possible it has nothing to do with you and is truly just about the property.