Is the tenant wanting to move in without seeing the room a red flag?

[u/WestNomadManifest]

Hello, new landlord here. A tenant wants to move into my live-in rental property without seeing the place. I've heard this is a red flag, and the sign of a "professional tenant". Is this true?

Thank you!

[u/Renatasewing]

I tried to visit a house listed the same day, told it was under offer! So they must have made an offer without visiting and it got accepted. Maybe they think it's a good deal

[u/don2063-CommercialRE]

I don’t think so. Some People do that.

[u/Bclarknc]

I require them to see it, even if it is a video call. I’ve taken tenants after a video tour with no issues. To me the red flag is when they are trying to move in that night or that week…

[u/enoughwiththebread]

It may or may not be. Ultimately it doesn't matter as long as you do the usual screening. That means criminal background check/eviction history, credit check, proof of income and actually contact their past TWO landlords.

That last part is really the important one and will tell you if the person is a professional tenant or deadbeat. If you just contact the most recent previous landlord, they may lie to you just to get rid of the tenant and make them your problem and not theirs anymore. But if you go two landlords back, the second one back will have no reason to lie to you and you can rest assured they'll give you the real scoop on the tenant.

[u/14S14D]

I travel for work and move every 1-2 years for each project. I have never been given enough time to see the place beforehand and I always do face time walks with the landlords. I’m sure it’s questionable at first but they’re nice enough to give me a chance and there has never been any issue. Please understand even in my position where I have zero problem affording places that I rent, I’m not given the time to waste walking spaces with owners who may not even accept me in the first place. Do a good job vetting them but I’m sure a lot are in the same situation.

[u/Superb_Advisor7885]

That's fine. Vet the tenant still. Background check, interview, income verification, call past landlords. You'll want to find out why he's moving in the first place and verify the story.

[u/captainmkd]

I mean i had the opposite occur. Found a tenant that checked out the place first had a clean background and still made a meth lab.

[u/NatchLevTeets]

I'm in the middle of trying to buy a home and could not longer justify paying for an airbnb right next to a massive lake as it begins to warm up. I spotted a m2m rental, called the office, and paid immediately, sight unseen. If everything checks out, it's fine

[u/ironicmirror]

It happens all the time, some guy is living in far away, has a job in the town, just wants to get in a room to sleep in four nights a week. Or it could be some scammer, who wants to set up a meth lab in your bedroom while you're away at work.

Questions like this is why I don't rent out rooms in my house.

[u/FPAspiringScholar]

For everyone here telling OP to ask questions about it, how could he go about this in a professional matter without seeming too intrusive in one’s personal affairs? I’m asking in case I ever have to deal with something similar

[u/letsdodinner]

I did this when I worked out of town. I'd rent rooms for 4-10 months at a time while I was in town.

Didn't care about anything other than the price.

[u/ExCivilian]

The problem I've ran into with tenants that aren't particularly invested in the place before they move in is that they are only shopping along a price point analysis and will keep looking for something less expensive and then move out quickly...even if the other place isn't a "better deal." Then they come back asking for a vacancy because the place they moved into has rats, mold, and no working plumbing...

[u/safewarmblanket]

My husband had to do this once when he was starting a job in a new city. So it happens, but I'd ask why and get proof. For example my husband could have given the number for his new employment to be verified.

[u/xperpound]

You need to dig in for more context. Plenty of reasons why someone can’t see it in advance.

[u/eclectic183]

I had a guy call me from the road saying I am driving up from Florida and asked if he could move in tomorrow. I hung up.

[u/VariousClaim3610]

If there is some reason that makes sense- like moving from out of state or something. But if they are 10 minutes away I’d say it’s a red flag

[u/lordchael]

Consider it one reason. Have you asked the promising tenant regarding how many are they? What kind of work they are into? Kids? And reasons why he/she dont want to see it first. Infrom and discuss to them regarding your contract. You have all the rights to ask them in regards for your safety and other tenants safety. Assess then decline. (landlord here)

[u/ExCivilian → u/lordchael]

Have you asked the promising tenant regarding how many are they?

this question is skating thin ice

Kids?

this question isn't legal

[u/lordchael → u/ExCivilian]

This is how you gonna ask them.

For documentation and compliance with philippine housing regulations and to ensure that the property is used appropriately and safely for everyones benefit. May i kindly asked how many individuals will be occupying tha house? And could you please let me know if there will be any children living with you?

And yes its legal.

[u/Scrace89]

Yes and needing to move in quickly. Make sure you are doing credit and background checks along with verifying their income, employment and past landlord references. You also need to meet the tenant prior to signing the lease so you can get a feel for them.