4 Steps To Getting The Rental You Want (Samples Of What To Say) | TenantsBC (2024)

Step One:

When calling about a place to rent, call from a quiet place so you can hear the landlord. It’s better if the landlord doesn’t hear a lot of noise like people yelling or kids screaming in the background.

Step Two:

If you get through to the landlord, do not ask them right away when you can view the place. Every landlord will want to screen potential renters before showing them the unit. The best thing you can say to start off the conversation is to tell them you’re interested in the place they have for rent and you’d like to tell them a bit about yourself. Being open sets a great tone for a good conversation and will likely get you a showing if it’s still available.

After you’ve satisfied the landlord’s curiousity, you can now ask any questions you have such as if laundry is included, are utilities included, do they allow pets, and so on. Do not ask anything that is already written in the ad. Lastly, ask them if it’s possible to set up a time to see the property.

Step Three:

Write down the name of the person you talk to, which place it was for rent, their phone number, and the date you made the call, so you can call back to ask more questions or in case you have to reschedule an appointment.

Step Four:

If you have to leave a message, give as much information in the message as possible to increase your chances of getting a call back. You may want to write down what you are going to say in your message as you’ll likely be calling several places. This is your one chance to shine. Here is an example:

Hi, this is Amy calling. I am very interested in your one bedroom apartment for rent. It sounds exactly like what I’m looking for. I am in my mid 30s and have a good job that I’ve held for 5 years. I don’t smoke and don’t party. I see in your ad that you allow one pet and I have an indoor cat that is 7 years old and very well behaved. I would be willing to sign a pet agreement as I am a responsible pet owner. I would appreciate a call back at XXX-XXX-XXXX at your earliest convenience. Looking forward to hearing from you.

This works for email too or when responding to an ad online including Facebook. Do NOT just write “When can I see the place?” or “Is it available?” – which just annoys every landlord. Instead, send a respectful, well-written message with correct spelling and grammar. This helps a landlord screen you in advance and shows that you’re open and honest. Here is an example of what to send:

Hello, my name is Paul and I’m very interested in your three bedroom house to rent with my wife, Janet, and our 4 year old son, Charlie. We do not have any pets and do not smoke. Janet and I both work full-time in professional jobs and our son is in daycare. We have rented for the past 10 years and have excellent references. We need to move now because the place we have is too small and we prefer the location of your rental property. We would be pleased if you could show us your property and are available after 4pm every day. Really looking forward to hearing back. Thanks for your time.

Potential tenants that show respect and are open in giving information are much more likely to get appointments for showings.

You may also be interested in reading Landlord Secrets: 7 Tips To Getting The Place You Want

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