All Forum Posts by: Cindy Craft

I have decided to use an application and website (tenantbackgroundsearch.com) that a successful local business owner uses for his home rental properties. I wound up with WAY more interest than I expected on this property. I have managed to call and prescreen 90% of the people who have shown interest, and have created a blanket email containing my rental criteria and the application and am charging a $35 application fee. I have also set up two open house viewings, and have encouraged the potential tenants to fill out the application prior and hand it in and pay the day of the viewing if they decide they like the property. 

My question is what form of payment should I allow and accept for the application fees? If I know that someone does not/will not qualify based on what they've told me, should I discourage them from filling out an application? 

Thank you so much for all of the feedback!!! I have decided against using the Zillow feature, have not any any positive feedback on that. I had read about Tellus in another of these forums and created an account in there. I do not have tenants yet, as I just made the listing active today. But, it appears that Tellus is user-friendly and has the basic tools I need. I will also check out RentPrep and Cozy, as I have seen these mentioned multiple times in different forums. 

Thank you! I will check those out and see what works best for us. I am extremely excited about this venture, but I want to ensure we do everything we can to cover our bases. I will absolutely be calling and verifying each reference. 

Is there any particular reason you suggest not using Zillow.com's property management features? Either way, I will heed your advice and check out the programs you suggested!

Has anyone used the application and background check feature Zillow.com offers? If so, feedback? If you do not use that, what is the best way to send and receive the applications and fees from potential tenants? Zillow also offers an online rent payment feature. Anyone have any feedback? Thanks in advance!!!