Pre-Questionier
Some Landlords may send out to prospective Tenants a list of questions before showing an apartment. The point of this is to save everybody’s time and effort. These questions may ask things such as: how many people will be in the household, whether there are pets or smokers (many buildings are non-smoking) what their source of income happens to be. If the prospective Tenant refuses to answer or they have a problem with any of these questions, the process goes no further.
Be Clean And Courteous
When Landlords meet you, they take notice of how prospective Tenants are dressed and if they are courteous and respectful. They may take note of your vehicle, and if possible to see its condition. If it’s a mess— filled with fast food wrappers and dirty diapers and clouds of flies— that will be a pretty good indication of how the Landlord’s apartment will be kept by you as well.
Be Honest
The majority of Landlords do a criminal background check, income verification, rental history and credit check; for which the prospective Tenant will pay. If the Landlord finds out the prospective Tenant lied on the application, the Landlord will not rent to them.
Don’t Complain
The ad was posted with the pertinent information. Ask questions but don’t complain about the price or that it says “No Pets” or “No Smoking.”
Be On Time
Always be prompt or show up a few minutes early to the appointment, because this will stand out to the Landlord. It shows a measure of responsibility and eagerness on your part.
Anyone who doesn’t show up for an appointment without calling way beforehand may get ignored in any future dealings— especially if they arranged a weekend viewing. Everyone— almost without exception— has a smart phone and a calendar reminder, so there is no excuse for a no-show.