Posted: December 06, 2021
In the COVID era, it’s never been more important to adapt to the digital environment. Having a virtual rental application process not only saves time but can also open up your options for prospective tenants. There are several elements involved in selecting your next tenant virtually.
Digital Listings
Before starting the process of setting up digital rental applications, you must first list your property where potential renters can find it. Popular sites like Zillow or Apartments.com can ensure you reach as many people as possible. For best results, you should post your rental listing across multiple sites.
Virtual Tours
Renters expect sufficient photos of properties when searching for their next home. Even better is offering a complete virtual tour. There are several ways to create a virtual tour. The easiest approach to this is by recording a video while you walk through the inside of the home and exterior of the property. This is a straightforward DIY project—though there is always the option to hire someone for professional quality. Another option is using software like Matterport that can create 3-D renderings of the rooms in your property. However you decide to execute, creating a virtual tour can raise interest in your property while saving you time on showings.
Rental Applications and Screening
The days of needing physical signatures for a rental application are long over. Authorizations for tenant screening can be obtained securely through online services like DocuSign or SignRequest. Once a rental application has been submitted online, you can begin evaluating the prospective tenant. Tenant screening is an essential element of choosing a tenant period – even more so virtually because you haven’t met the applicant in person. Not only do you want to conduct tenant credit screening, but you also want to do a background check and check their rental history.
Choosing a renter online is a great way to save time and cast a wider net for prospective tenants, but it’s essential to do your due diligence in the tenant screening process to prevent problems down the line.