Rental References & applicant unsuccessful

I've acted as a rental referee a few times for staff. I usually just get asked questions confirming their pay and how long they've been with the organisation. One time a bit more questioning about how much overtime and extra shifts they got.

One time I got questions about them being presentable (fine), organised (yes), and whether I think they'd be a good tenant (probably, but I really have no idea).

 

Would probably re-phrase to 'if you had a rental property, would you rent to them?' as it generally gives a different type of response.

 

That's a great one !!!!

 

I wonder if PMs have a template for shockingly bad applications that goes like

"dear applicant,
this is an email to notify you that you are accepted.......sorry just kidding
WTF were you thinking!!!!
I have a better chance to fit into a size 6 bikini and to take Trumps job as president
please dont waste any more of mine and other agents time by applying for anything

The lovely PM"

 

Could I kindly inquire as to whether of PM's viewing this thread would feel so obliged as to share their "sorry your application has been unsuccessful" template?

 

Yep. I think you’re right.

 

Yeah! But No!!!

 

Yeah i wish. I got an application today with 2 parents plus 7 kids aged between 21 and 6 months old. And another for the same property last week with 10 dogs.

In the application software we use, it automatically goes and contacts all the references (by email) as soon as the applicant enters them in. So sometimes when we open up an application the references have already responded - this helps speed up leasing time.

When we mark someone as successful, it automatically marks everyone else is unsuccessful and sends them something very brief, with no reason along the lines of (I don't have it in front of me right now to copy exactly) 'thank you for your interest. Unfortunately due to the strong applications for the property, on this occasion you've been unsuccessful, good luck with your search'

 

This being 1form I presume? What are your thoughts on calling someone to let them know they have been unsuccessful?

 

Nah we ditched 1form ages ago - doesn't do reference checking for us, and doesn't do data validation to prevent junk being entered into the fields. We use Tenant Options, it forces the applicant to enter in proper stuff (or don't bother if they're dodgy).

Wouldn't ever call to advise unsuccessful otherwise we would be on the phone all day. Sometimes they call when they get the email, but we just re-iterate the same as what the email says. Otherwise you get into discussions of why / why not, people trying to find work arounds, etc.

 

The big thing is they always want to know why they weren't approved, the take home is "sorry the owner doesn't let us know that, thanks anyway"

 

Thanks for all the feedback. Here in Victoria it's very 1form based. If you're not on realestate.com or using 1form you're considered a third tier agent.

 

Honestly, do personal references have any value? Everyone has a friend they could provide as a referee.
Previous rental history, previous PM, not listed on TICA, employment history and a sufficient income surely hold more weight.

 

Yes very true and in fact I don't want to know sometimes because of the fact I don't want to be in that peculiar position of knowing. But I have heard a case whereby an agency didn't do any reference checks but declined an applicant and the applicant ended up taking them to the tribunal and winning...... interesting.

 

Not really. For the same reason you mention. But its worth asking for them - insurance or debt collectors will use them if it gets to that stage.

In SA, everyone uses realestate.com.au too - most don't use 1form though for the same reasons i described. We've even taken the link off our listings to encourage people to use TO (which lots of places in SA are using now).

 

My PM will drive by the tenants current residence to see how neat and tidy it is (if it’s house and in the area).

 

Acted as a work reference for a couple of juniors in my team at past workplaces. Calls were short (<3min) and confirmed employment status, duration, and general questions about cleaniness and being a good human.

When I get several applicants, the ones which have a property manager as a reference usually gets the place. Friends and family as references seems a cop out except when the applicant really doesnt have prior rental or work experience, as cashed up foreign students tend to have.

 

I'm sure if we could get our hands on the case it would have a lot to do with what was said or written as part of the "declined" notice. As has been said above less is definitely more! Even if the owner has given the PM a reason, the PM certainly should not reveal that to the applicant.

- Luke

 

I always call current and previous employment and PM.

Personal references will depend on how much history they have, but generally I take these with a grain of salt. Your friends won't know if you pay your rent, and they won't say you keep the house a complete mess.

I will always call unsuccessful applicants, pet peeve is when people don't get back to me.

 

To me there is something of a 'priority' order for references. Example- rental references are obviously the most important, and I ALWAYS call to discuss with the previous PM if the Applicant is looking like a potential contender.
You'll usually have a strong indication one way or the other about an applicant based on direct communication, rental reference, income, history checks, etc, before you find yourself in a situation that you believe personal references will add value.
A good example of when you would use personal references would be for young first time renters who haven't got any history, but you might have a good feeling about them and want to build a 'character reference'. As has been mentioned, probing questions are key. You want to build rapport with their family/friend and make them feel like they can be honest (i.e. don't make them feel like if they say the applicant is a little messy that it will result in a decline). A great example is making the joke that it's worrying when personal references give the applicant a 10/10, surely no one is that good! They'll laugh, then try to find some sort of minor criticism to make the reference more real.