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Are you putting your Nose in my Business? Absolutely!

By
Real Estate Technology with Rentec Direct

I have the opportunity everyday to communicate with property managers and private landlords.  There are times that some have mentioned that they are hesitant on asking prospective tenants personal information.  I am hear to say......it is OK to be

NOSY

 

pinocchio

 

Some landlords (and PM's) feel funny asking people for their personal information. You have to be comfortable confronting people and asking questions you might need answered so you can complete your tenant screening process. 

I also believe in making a copy of their driver’s license.  I like to order my tenant credit checks and background screening reports using accurate information. Some applications are messy and it is hard to know for sure if you are spelling their names correctly and the ole’ banker in me likes to order the reports using their full legal name and it is another way to to verify they are who they say they are.

If your applicant is hesitant on filling out a rental application, dont give in to their attitude.  If they don't want to complete the rental application that is fine, you do not have to worry about screening them right?  They may say "I don't want to share this information"  My answer would be  "You don't have to, but I cannot process your application if not completed".  Throw the ball in their court if they are hesitant that could be a "Red Flag”.

 

 

 

 

 




Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

The red flags are there.  I've found most people are upfront about their situation.  My learning curve happened when I rented to a husband/wife -- both lawyers.  I'll never do that again, what a bunch of whiners and pains in my arse. Lawyers are not a protected class!! 

Mar 27, 2013 08:21 AM
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

I'm about to DELIVER my client's most EXPENSIVE asset to a stranger - you are damn right I want answers to my questions...no answers my response is NEXT!

I don't rent to JAG students or law students and will not knowingly take attorneys as clients

Mar 27, 2013 09:32 AM
Dulcey Schuster
Rentec Direct Property Management Software Tenant Screening - Grants Pass, OR
Property Management Software

I worry my prying questions can offend people and of course you don't want to ask anything that could come off as discriminatory!  I like your tactic, I'm just doing my job and I need x,y information to complete my job, it's very non-confrontational.

Apr 03, 2013 03:10 AM