Sorry, I'm new to this,.so how much more do you do beyong the zillow application? To check somewhat out? How, where do you do criminal checks? What more do you do besides standard Zillow applications? , --96.236.xxx.xx

Don’t accepts Zillow app. Create your own. Since you are BRAND NEW, take the unit off the market for a month and ask questions here daily. You’ll thank me later. --24.152.xxx.xx

Like you wouldn't hang a sign saying you are a Dentist because you own a pair of pliers and know what teeth are. --68.229.xxx.xxx

They regularly hold in person & zoom meeting so that LLs can learn about the various laws & regulations that we MA LLs need to know about. --96.233.xxx.xx

All the best! --12.196.xxx.xxx

Jennifer, take an hour and watch some YouTube videos about evicting tenants. That will give you all the more reason to proceed with caution. --12.196.xxx.xxx

The first topic you should research on this forum is “prescreen”. --172.58.xxx.xx

I will save you a seat at both events. --107.147.xx.xx

I have paper applications available only at a viewing or open house. Besides an application I ask for two months bank statements. This shows they have move in money and verifies expensives and responsibility with financials. If there are charges from smoke or pets shops then I suspect they have pets and or smoke. All clues. In my state I can scan court documents. I learn this stuff from reading here and attending the up coming convention. I'll save you a seat if you'll join me this year. Look for the information on the main page. --172.59.xxx.xx

NE and others are leading you well. --76.129.xxx.xx

Their neighbors are also great sources of info too. And don't forget to cozy up to your rental's neighbors and befriend them so they'll not hesitate to complain if a renter misbehaves. And they make good references to tenants. --108.69.xxx.xxx

--24.101.xxx.xxx

Jennifer, the zillow application is not complete. In fact I had a prospective tenant once supply the application and since we don't accept them I gave that applicant our application and ran a separate credit and background check. The zillow background check showed a clear background and the one I ran showed the applicant had 10 felonies (white color type) Naturally he was declined. Don't rely on zillow's poor reports. We require all kinds of info: paystubs, bank statements, W-2's or 1099's, tax returns if self employed, LL reference for the last two LL's, vet records for animals, ID's, applicantions with this info for each and every adult 18 yrs old or older in the property. You might be surpriized that some falsify their ddocuments. It's easy to spot when you require so many cross checks and do employment verifications. --98.211.xxx.xx

I agree. I will look at the Zillow app only to see if their credit score makes it worthwhile to go further. If so, they must fill out my application. I do all that everyone else above has recommended. It is critical to verify their income, as there are now websites that will provide fraudulent pay stubs and other "documentation" that a fraudulent applicant might need. I would echo that you are actually speaking to their past landlords. An applicant who says they moved from their previous rental and are living with family should be a red flag. Trust but verify is my motto. When I have my initial contact with a potential resident, I describe my screening process. Many of them never contact me again as they know that there are unlikely to sneak fraudulent information past me. --70.119.xx.xx

DENIED ! --152.97.xxx.xxx

BRAD --73.103.xxx.xxx

So you do not have to make a decision on an application unless it is COMPLETE. My documents say that the application is not complete until I verify income, employment, speak with their current and past landlords, run a credit report, run a criminal background check and when they submit all the additional information I ask for. If I am unsure I ask for 3 moths of paystubs, etc. I do not do this to chase them away but because I need to know to make an informed decision. The ones that know they won't pass drop out before I have a completed application. So, YOU get to decide (with prior warnning to the applicants, what you need before the application is complete. --70.119.xx.xx

Besides all the great previous advice, I always checkout social media,like Facebook page. A trove of information. If the applicant is a business owner, check the page of their business as well. --99.131.xx.xx

--75.137.xxx.xxx

No apologize needed. We are always learning and expanding our screening criteria. --172.59.xxx.xxx

Zoocityrealty.com/uploads/1/2/4/5/124508515/1_zcr_app_-_people_v27.pdf --174.245.xx.xxx

You should have clear criteria. Your application process shoud say that the application is not complete until ALL the necessary documents are received and that you have been able to complete ALL the verifications. If, for example, you are unable to contact the applicants previous landlords than the application is NOT complete. I simple notify the applicant that the application is not complete and tell them why. You do not have to accept or reject an application until it is complete. --136.49.xxx.xxx