Do you as a landlord let tenants fill out an application before you show them the property is the question for veteran landlord and property manager Hank Rossi.
Dear Landlord Hank:
Do you give tenants a tour of your vacant rentals before they fill out an application? Or do you require an application before you give a tour? We charge a $30 application fee.
-Tim
Dear Landlord Tim:
I insist that tenants see THE vacant unit they would be living in prior to filling out an application.
I do prescreen on the phone before I set up a showing to make sure these are possible tenants, and they desire the rental we have in the time frame we want to rent it.
I ask if the tenants have seen our internet advertising with photos and details so they know what to expect. I find out how many people would be renting and how soon they need a property.
Also I make sure they don’t have pets, if not pet friendly, etc.
Then I set up a tour and if the clients are interested, I provide an application and explain the application process.
I would not want to waste time processing an application for someone that may not want the unit.
Sincerely,
Hank Rossi
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