All Forum Posts by: Pam Storm

Thanks @Andrew Weiner @Darius Ogloza @Brian Garlington @Robert Matelski !  Robert I am sending you a DM too.  Much appreciated, will post back on how it plays out. 

Appreciate suggestions on how to handle the dilemma:  1.  City is not helpful, bills must be incorrect with hundreds of $$ but refusing to assist and 2.  Low income rentals where rent is only $600-$800 and water bills can be $200+ ?  Thanks.

@Brian Kohn   My 1st piece of advice is to have your criteria before you get reports back - for compliance and to help with these situations.   Take a close look at the income and debt, if you itemize out the income and deduct the debt, do they have enough to pay the bills and sustain a setback or 2?  Are some of the causes truly medical (your credit report will show that), and so on.  My advice, paper your criteria quickly and probably look for more traffic.  I've done a lot of screens, once folks paper the criteria, generally the right traffic comes along soon enough, and then the stress is over because you know you've found the right fit for all parties, vs sweating it out each month.

@Marcia Maynard   Great feedback.  Let me echo Marcia's point about creating your acceptance standards first.  After you have this specific question answered, you're likely to have a very similar question unless you pin down your criteria first (ie, should i accept a candidate with an eviction filing or should i accept someone who smokes or ...).  

@Jeanne J.   Hi Jeanne, it's a great question.  I've done a ton of tenant screens, and I think especially when the current landlord is a property management company, they are either (a) too busy or (b) too worried about litigation.  Not much upside for them to respond.  As it relates to individuals, statistically in my experience, landlords with 'good experiences' with applicants tend to respond (albeit delayed at times) and otherwise they rarely do.  Good suggestions from @Yvette M., and also I highly recommend prioritizing 2 or 3 landlords back if possible - they may be more honest than a current landlord/mgr.  Hope this helps, good luck!

@Mark Smith   Hi Mark

A bit of color on why some sites require the applicant to create an account (like TU and their partners etc) -- to obtain access to credit bureau data, the bureaus require an on site inspection of the premises to ensure legitimacy.  Further, the bureaus charge about $100 and won't generally inspect/allow/pass a residence.  So independent landlords generally use a service (which partners with a bureau) that requires the applicant to register, authenticate with a simple quiz, and provide consent.  This meets all the bureau requirements and helps the independent landlord.

I know a couple good options if you want to PM.

@Kathleen R.

Yes, if those are your needs, that's certainly one of the good fits for you.  Great post and good luck!  See you 'round BP!

@Lindy McConnell   Good question and echo the sentiment about talking to an agent.  Make sure in your lease you require your renter to get renters insurance as well though.  

@Mike Buckley

Hi Mike.  I agree w @Dan Smith and some others about SmartMove and there are lots of SmartMove partners that offer additional helpful services too.  Regarding Mass, criminal data needs to be looked up through CORI.  National databases are wonderful but there are nuances, and your state happens to be one of them.