Each time you post a property listing online, interested tenants will likely expect to see the rental. However, more often than not, the unit may not be available for viewing. Someone might still occupy it, and not all tenants like having strangers inside their houses. Even though they own it, landlords need permission from the present occupants.
Another reason is if the rental is undergoing renovations making it unsafe for people to go in. We don’t want any accidents to happen to future tenants. But what happens when interested renters want to see the place? You cannot tell them no because that will turn them off. Instead, give them other options to make it worth their while.
Check the neighborhood
When the tenant applicants show interest in the rental, they will also include the area around it. You can show them around and point to places you think they may like. Are there popular restaurants in the neighborhood? They might want to try it out with their friends and family.
You can show them how far hospitals are from their house so they will know where to go for emergencies. Drive them around town and accompany them to schools if they have children. They will appreciate the gesture, and it will help you convince them to take the rental.
Check out the building or structure.
I know I’ve said that present occupants may not allow you to bring the future tenants inside the rental. However, they can still see the place from the outside. The landlord can haggle with the renters if you can do it and show them the property for a while, even if it’s not inside.
If it’s because of renovations, you can stay away from the inside of the house where it is safe. But at least the tenants will get to see the property rental. You can show them the grounds and the neighbors and give them a chance to scout the place.
Go over the lease agreement.
If they can’t see the rental personally, they might want to discuss the lease agreement with you. You can talk about the policies, rent prices, and other fees. It will also be an opportunity for the potential tenants to ask you questions about the property and landlord.
Aside from the contract, you can go over the details of the property structure. You should confirm they know the number of rooms, attachments, and physical features. If the landlord made any restorations, like new paint or cabinets, they should know that too.
Understand if they want to delay signing until after a walk-through.
I know you want to make things faster and sign with tenants as soon as possible. However, you must also put yourself in their shoes and know that signing a lease is a big deal. You want them to be a hundred percent decided and committed.
If they want to wait and see the whole property before signing, let them. They may want to see specific things inside the rental, such as the locks or bathrooms. You also have to remember that people have preferences for their houses. But they should know that delaying signing might mean someone else will snap the place up before they do. Still, you may give them the option.
I should tell you that some tenants may consider it a deal breaker if they can’t see a rental property in person. And that is natural. You want them to be comfortable with signing the lease agreement without hesitation, or else it may become an issue later.
But do not worry about not finalizing a deal with them because plenty of tenant applicants would want to rent the property. You only have to advertise it again. And this time, you can use Padleads. Padleads allows you to post your property listings online and syndicate them to other websites. Oh, and don’t forget to post pictures so they can see what it looks like inside. It’s not the best way, but it’s the next best thing.