@Jeremy Marek @Joe Splitrock
When I get people who aren't able to make it to the open house times I quickly get them on the phone to determine if they qualify. I have all this in the ad/listing to weed out those that won't qualify: I have my personal requirements as far as credit score, that anyone over 18 must be on the lease and submit to background and sex offender checks, income must be 3x the rent, no eviction hx, good references from all LL for past 5 years, sec dep requirements and first month rent due at lease signing, deposit required to hold property (applied towards first month's rent), and renters insurance requirements. Who is responsible for lawn/snow and what utilities. No keys are handed over until proof of the utilities are in their name.
Additional Pre-Screening when talking: why are you moving (ex.red flags--being evicted, keep getting into arguments with the LL/neighbor
When do you plan on moving? red flags: wanting to move in tomorrow--get more info. If they're currently renting most LLs require 30 days notice so if they want to move in tomorrow find out why... eviction, homeless, breaking lease, LL found out about 3 dogs in the apt and they're being evicted, etc
There are circumstances such as a pay cut, job transfer, domestic abuse. Each case is different but responsible tenants search for an apartment in advance of their anticipated move date.
As far as monthly income--they'll need proof of 3x rent and consent to job verification, credit check, background check, sex offender check etc
I ask if they'll have the first month's rent and sec dep available at lease signing. I never start a tenant relationship where they'll owe me money after moving in. Must be available at lease signing. "How about half now, and then a week after move in you get the rest?" Ummmm no!
Ask how many people will live in the apt. Know your municipality's ordinance and the fire depts. limit of # people that can legally rent and reside in the apt/house. Health and safety risk with overcrowding so I have no problem asking the #. I don't ask ages or sex as that would be discriminatory and doesn't matter. Keep it simple with "the number of people."
I ask if they can provide references from their employer and former LLs. I make it a requirement for the past 5 years bc current LL may not tell the whole truth and just be glad to get rid of a problem tenant. If a tenant's hesitant or gives excuses then they may have something to hide. If they can't do it, then no can do. If someone's been evicted in past 5 years the answer is no.
I ask about pets bc it could be a deal breaker if you don't allow pets. Must be able to provide vaccinations records, non aggressive breed, are they ok with paying higher sec dep and having $25 fee per month for having pet?
Renters insurance is required and I want proof upon move in.
I give them a chance to ask questions at the end and hopefully that one call didn't take more than 5 min out of my day. I value people and their time as much as I value mine. I try to make it straight to the point so no one is wasting time. When I started out I was showing places 3-4x a weekend and quickly made the decision to announce open houses and go about it that route. Time is valuable, not to mention how quick resentment can build up when you're constantly showing a place to one applicant at a time. Investing should be fun and I like to keep it that way. Open houses are the way to go. Hope this helps.
