Employer/Landlord Verifications for applicants...how to expedite this?

I'm having a hard time getting employers and landlords to complete the verification form that we fax to them verifying our tenant prospect is legit and a great person to rent to. Two weeks ago I had 15 applicants (people want to live at our complex!) yet I don't have a fast turn-around for approval because I'm waiting on verification. Does any one have any tips or tricks to help me expedite this process?

I'm losing the prospects interest because the application process is taking so long. I've tried calling employers and landlords and they won't give me any information over the phone. I made the form quick & easy to do and have please return within 24 hours underlined and my fax number big and bold.

Maybe I should introduce myself and re-introduce myself to all the big employers and properties in the area to create a better relationship?

I would call and make sure you get the person on the phone that is actually filling form out. I sometimes have gotten them and just put to the side because of other priority items and they soon get buried. When I get the call I fill it right out and send back. You could try asking the questions to them too on the phone and fill it out for them. It's better than nothing. Also try telling them prospect is going to lose their apartment because you can't get a reference. This usually works. Hope this helps.

Hi Alisha.

With that many applications it sounds like you are doing a great job closing. Create a sense of urgency and ask your applicants to help you get the required information. Give them your form and ask them to have their employer to fax it to you. In the affordable housing world we don't think anything of actually going to an employer, if possible, and getting it. Use your great sales skills and call them. And as Mary suggested, please tell them their employee needs the reference for housing or they may lose on out a great opportunity.

As far as landlords go, that one tends to be more of a challenge. If it is one of your comps, I suggest creating a rapport with them. You should be on good terms with your comps to get accurate market survey information. Make sure that you return their requests for references timely, and don't be afraid to remind them that you do/will return the favor.

Good luck!

Sandi

There really is no quick way to expidite them except to stay on top of the employer and landlord. Let the resident know that the hold up on an application is usally due to the landlord reffrence and employment verification. They will usually be on top of it if you do. Also if you just cant get the landlord reffrence as for six months of reciepts showing they have paid on time and a copy of their lease, see if that will work for your owners. Another site to use to get an employment verification is The Work Number where allot of large corporations have their employment verification. Good luck and hope this helps.

I would get the resident involed (not giving them the actual form), I would simply called them and let them know that the process is being delayed due to their landlord/employer completing the verification. Trust me, the resident will go do the hunting for you and you will get that verification back from the landlord/employer ASAP.

So right, Pedro. But why not give the form if it comes back to the community from a company HR fax machine? I am finding that some banks and employers are not recognizing the faxed requests from us. CHASE bank, for example, will not complete the HUD form even with the applicant's authorization/release. They are also calling the applicants to verify the request and authorization. Just curious as to why you wouldn't. Thanks for your opinion. ~ Sandi