All Forum Posts by: Patrick M.

@Lynnette E. Over a phone interview I told a prospect that her 19 year old son will need to submit a background check and credit check as well. She’s seemed a little stumped at first but agreed (over the phone). 18 and over need to submit a background and credit check.

@Chris Anderson thanks for the thorough write up. This provides a lot of clarity. I will be sure to call previous landlords and definitely verify employment/income.

I’ve also ordered paper applications. I was going to do it all online but it sounds like the paper application route is a good test that a lot of successful landlords implement.

Really appreciate your insight

@Joe Splitrock. Good advice. I’m putting the cart a little before the horse.

Shoring up my criteria as well.

@Corbin Jones I'm going through the process of screening my first tenants so I appreciate the post.  This Link I found to be helpful for general screening calls.  As to specific Wisconsin laws I'm not sure yet besides parts of Tristan's Landlord Blog

@John Underwood is this in all cases or geared more towards the girlfriend/boyfriend scenario?  Lastly if you're requirements become a moving target is that "discrimination" or am I reading too much into this? 

@John Underwood good point.  I made the mistake of over the phone I think mentioning 1 months rent deposit.  Can I tell them that it's actually 2 months now?

@Lien Vuong I wouldn't say I've gotten tire kickers quite yet.  Especially for my first time I don't mind seeing what's out there, if you will.  That being said a couple zillow requests have simply just asked for an application, (no showing, no generic questions) so I haven't responded to that at all.  

I couldn't agree with you more in that "that the # of tenants in each unit is low". 

This is my first rental in a B/B+ 4bd/2.5ba area asking 2k rent. 2k deposit.  Pet friendly.  No evictions. No felonies. Owner pays trash, water, utilities. Responsible for mow and snow.

Using mysmartmove to screen.

I've been getting some showings and taking phone calls of interested parties.  So far my first showing the people gave off a weird vibe..they didn't ask for an app and I didn't offer.  Boyfriend and girlfriend just moved to area. She has a kid and he has 3.

2nd party is two sisters and their elderly mom.  Very nice people.  Seemed genuine.  Have been 7 year tenants at their current place but owner is selling.  She's been very upfront and mentioned a bankruptcy a while back.  (didn't specify how long ago).  Emailed her an app.  And will need to get one from the sister as well.

Another party is boyfriend selling the house nearby.  He has 2 kids.  Girlfriend doesn't have any.  Seemed ok on the phone but gave me the line "we've already applied a few places and they were a little small for us but we've passed all the background checks and credit I just want you to know we're qualified"  I'll still run their information if they take an app but that line gave me a bad vibe.

TLDR: I expected a lot more married couples or individuals to apply.  What is the best way to handle multiple adults with no real legal obligation to each other when screening?  My biggest concern: the combined income they qualify (3x rent) but individually they don't and a breakup means big time problems collecting rent.  

@Dawn Anastasi follow up question: have you been using cozy for your background/credit checks or do you prefer Mysmartmove?

Thanks 

@Dawn Anastasithanks for posting.  Again though if I am listed through cozy, not paying the cost myself, requiring tenant submit a background check and credit check through cozy at their cost would not be in violation of the law? 

@Adam Gollatz read that the number went up by $5.  But the article I read it made it sound like it went from $20 up to $25.  Not $25 up to $30.  However that's a good point that cozy is charging them 39.99 for a background check and credit check..although it's required per my screening.