Landlord Products / Services
Holy shit! This coincidence is a joy.
I recently wrote a blog post recommending that landlords use Facebook as part of their tenant referencing process – just a small piece of the overall protocol, but a potentially valuable one (as you’re about to find out).
In short, when someone applies to be my tenant, I always try to track them down on Facebook by searching their name and/or email address. Nine times out of ten, the applicant has a profile, giving me a quick snapshot into their life.
Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
We just got a hit!
And it’s an extraordinary one (hence why I’ve rushed to the computer to share my findings)!
In the blog post, I included a facetious example image highlighting the kind of antics landlords might want to be wary of:
As a landlord, if you saw that picture of a prospective tenant, you’d probably feel at least a little cautious, right? I’ll admit it – I’m quick to judge. The men look like they’ve crawled out of an incestuous breeding program, and the women come across like a pair of full-blown hoodrats.
A ghetto ass girl who hangs out with all the ghetto guys and thinks it’s cute to be a slut
– Definition of Hootrat according to Urban Dictionary
Poetic.
Of course, they’re probably lovely people, and my brash, ignorant judgements could be wildly off the mark – those specimens might might make for role-model tenants, maybe even genuinely decent people. However, the damage was already done; my mind had been contaminated by that image, and the judgement had been made. I’m only human.
Results of Using Facebook To Reference Tenants
I’m currently trying to fill a vacancy, so I’ve been processing applications (i.e. scheduling and hosting viewings) as enquiries come in. I’m using OpenRent to market my property on Rightmove and Zoopla to generate the leads.
You can imagine my utter amusement I got a hit on Facebook for this guy…
I shit you not.
What are the chances? feel like this was meant to be – for us to cross paths like this, that is (so he could complete the point I was trying to make)!
NOTICE ANY SIMILARITIES, BITCHES?
What’s most amusing is that the original photo I shared was meant to be an overly dramatised, comical example of what landlords should be wary of. I never actually expected to come across a real applicant with a picture that resembled it so closely. Granted, the guy might be joking around – but there’s also a chance he’s not.
I’m going to let the chap view the property – colour me curious. Feels like destiny wanted it this way. This is out of my hands now.
Before I’m outie, let’s give respect where respect is due. Fair play to the guy. He’s partying hard, he’s got a pair of freakay bitches on each arm, and he’s generally having a good time.
I only hope he’s sticking to the pimp code…
- Thou shall not playa hate
- Thou shall not trust a hoe
- Thou shall not disrespect the game
Respect.
If you saw a picture like that of your prospective tenant, would it have any influence on your decision making?
Landlord out xo
Disclaimer: I'm just a landlord blogger; I'm 100% not qualified to give legal or financial advice. I'm a doofus. Any information I share is my unqualified opinion, and should never be construed as professional legal or financial advice. You should definitely get advice from a qualified professional for any legal or financial matters. For more information, please read my full disclaimer.
Haha, references to Urban Dictionary and Snatch.
This is the reason I love reading your antics Landlord!