Re: How to thoroughly prescreen before giving an app

Re: How to thoroughly prescreen before giving an app by You don't need a LONG list on July 29, 2014 @07:45

A LONG list of questions is too many. You get the details in your application, your pre-screen should rule out the deal breakers for you.

Ask them if they will be able to have the first month and security deposit at the same time? Many will admit this will be trying for them. State it is a requirement, no exceptions.

Don't allow pets ever? Then ask "Do you have any pets" or ask "How many pets do you have, what sizes, what breeds?" If your ad already states no pets, people know what answer you are looking for, ask them about their pets to get a more honest answer. IF they give you an answer about their pets andit's a NO PETS place, end the pre-screen, no reason to go further.

Ask them if their credit scores is above whatever number is your cutoff? A lot of people don't know their credit score, so this is where you tell them your number minimum and that you REQUIRE their credit score as part of the application process and it is a firm meet or not meet issue. I make them pay for this themselves so i'm not out money when it turns out their credit stinks. People do usually know if their credit is really good,

No smoking? As them if they smoke inside or outside. See again you are leading them to an answer you want, you are asking for them to confirm something making it appear you approve of one or the other or both. If they give you an answer you don't like end the pre-screen.

Have a body limit in your rental? Ask how many people will be living their full time and part time. Too many adults have adult kids living with then part time when school is out or whatever. Too many? then end the pre-screen. This is also where you remind them that every over the age of 18 at the time the rental period would begin MUST fill out an application.

I ask them if they have an issue with me verifying their employment? if they do then end the pre-screen.

I tell them I do check with previous landlords and if they think they will receive a positive reference. Do they have a problem with that?

Those few questions will give you an idea if they even qualify. If you have a 2 page long list of questions it will turn people off, they are interested in knowing more, they aren't ready to sign a lease.

If you have to turn them away at pre-creening always wish them luck finding a place...they need it.

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Re: How to thoroughly prescreen before giving an app by LL 8 years (Oregon) on July 29, 2014 @09:47	[ Reply ]

This is the best available knowledge this post. This list of scenerio's is my new list of screening procedures. Thank you poster of this thread and bless you! :0)

Re: How to thoroughly prescreen before giving an app - Landlord Forum thread 321990