During the marketing stage of the rental process, prospective renters are expected to have questions about the property and the living arrangements. What and how you respond can determine whether they rent your property, so you have to be prepared for whatever they might ask.
There will be a lot of potential inquiries that you will receive, and here are some of the most common questions applicants might ask, along with how you should properly answer.
Key Highlights:
- Being prepared to answer common tenant questions helps build trust and improves your chances of securing qualified renters.
- Clear, transparent explanations about rent, deposits, amenities, and lease terms prevent misunderstandings and disputes later on.
- Well-handled inquiries create strong first impressions that reflect professionalism and reliability as a landlord.
- Prompt, informative responses increase occupancy rates by keeping prospective tenants engaged and confident in their decision.
- Thoughtful communication can lead to word-of-mouth referrals, even from applicants who ultimately don’t rent the property.
How much is the rent?
Naturally, the rent price should already be included in the rental listing, but some potential tenants will ask it anyway. Either they missed the listed price, or they aim to negotiate for a lower rate. Clearly state the rent price and the lease term the payment covers. This will help them assess whether the lease terms are worth what they’ll pay for.
What does the rental unit include?
Outline all amenities included with the rental unit or property, including furnishings, facilities, utilities, and services. Transparency upfront avoids misunderstandings later. Be comprehensive about how everything works, including who pays for certain bills, when facilities can be used, and what charges apply to the services you offer.
How much is the security deposit?
Security deposits are crucial to protect you and your tenant from unexpected costs, such as property damage or unpaid rent. State what kind of deductions you can make while considering local and state laws concerning the deposit. Do not forget to include the timeline for returning the deposit and the terms that come with the matter.
Are pets allowed?
State your pet policy clearly, including allowed breeds, size limits, pet deposits, or monthly pet rent. Keep in mind that there are laws regarding emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals that exempt them from pet policies. If you do not allow pets, other than ESAs and service animals, explain briefly and politely.
What is the application process like?
Every landlord may have the same application process, but the standards are different. Outline the steps involved and specify your personal requirements, such as background checks, screening criteria, and the rental process timeline. This helps them make informed decisions and even know early on whether they will pass your application process.
Is parking available?
If your rental property is in an urban area, parking is a common concern among prospective tenants. Clarify whether parking is included, assigned, or limited. If you have guest parking rules, it would also be helpful to mention them. Outline the possible restrictions, fees, or other arrangements regarding parking to avoid confusion later.
Can I make modifications to the unit?
Some tenants prefer having their own space personalized to the point of making changes to the unit, such as a new coat of paint, wall attachments, and so on. These may lead to significant costs and rework at move-out, so be sure to set limits. Explain what changes are allowed and which ones require written approval. Should they terminate the lease, inform them about the restoration process they are required to do.
What is the neighborhood like?
Offer general, factual information about nearby amenities, public transportation, and services without making subjective claims or violating fair housing laws. You may even provide information on local attractions and activities, as long as they are not suggestive or reflective of the potential tenant.
Can lease terms be adjusted?
Some applicants already have a specific timeframe in mind, in which they might not need to rent your property for as long as the fixed term. If you are open to adjusting lease durations, you can explain your terms and requirements for the arrangement. If not, you can politely explain why your month-to-month or fixed-term lease is non-negotiable.
Why This Matters
First Impressions Matter
The way you respond to questions or inquiries immediately reflects what kind of landlord you are. Rude responses, even to relatively simple questions, can deter potential tenants and damage your rental business's reputation.
High Occupancy Rate
When a potential tenant’s questions are answered, and they feel like their needs are met, they are more likely to rent your property. That helps your occupancy rates and rental income. Of course, you will need to respond quickly to inquiries, since tenants who urgently need a place to rent will go for the one who responds first.
Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Even if the prospective tenant thinks your rental property does not meet their needs, they might know others who are a better fit. Through word-of-mouth referrals, you can indirectly find applicants by answering questions with comprehensive answers.
Transparency
Potential tenants should know what they are getting, given that they will be paying rent for it. There are instances where applicants won’t think that the rental rates are worth it based on what you can offer. If you omit certain information during inquiries, you might end up with high turnover rates and a bad reputation.
What Your Tenants Deserve
Giving your renters and potential tenants what they deserve leads to great things for your rental business. Beyond tenant retention, your target market will see the value in renting your property, which will increase your rental income.
With the right help and expertise, these are all achievable in faster and more efficient ways. This is where we, at Harcourts Avanti, can help. Our resources and professional knowledge can help you achieve your investment goals or handle your property management needs, so you can focus on other lucrative ventures.
Call us, and learn more about our services.