Cross Selling Rentals (Don't do it)

Summary

This transcript discusses the nuances of renting properties while adhering to non-discriminatory practices. It emphasizes the importance of providing options to potential tenants without recommending any specific unit, especially based on personal characteristics like family status. Agents are advised to share available properties based on what the tenant asks for but refrain from directing them to one property as the best option, to avoid liability and legal issues. The focus is on offering information and allowing tenants to make their own decisions.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's important to walk a fine line when renting to people, ensuring no biases or suggestions are made regarding specific properties.
• 😀 You cannot directly tell someone which property they should rent, but you can provide options based on their preferences.
• 😀 Renting should be done based on the individual's needs, not influenced by factors like family size or lifestyle.
• 😀 When a potential renter has specific needs, you can guide them by offering properties that may meet those needs, but without recommending one over the other.
• 😀 You must avoid making statements like 'this is the one you need' or 'this property is best for you' when renting to individuals.
• 😀 You can share information like the number of bedrooms available but must refrain from pointing out a specific unit as the best option for the renter.
• 😀 The responsibility lies with the renter to make the final decision, not with the agent or rental company.
• 😀 It's crucial to be cautious about the language used in property recommendations to avoid any legal or liability issues.
• 😀 While you can ask questions about family size or needs, the focus should remain on presenting options, not guiding them to a specific property.
• 😀 The key difference between offering options and pushing a specific property is important to understand in rental management.
• 😀 If you misstep in guiding a potential renter, it can lead to significant liability issues for the rental company.

Q & A

What is the main limitation when renting to people according to the script?

The main limitation is that while you can offer options based on what the person says they need, you cannot directly tell them which property they should rent. This ensures you don’t cross the line into steering or discriminatory practices.

How can you guide a potential renter without violating rules?

You can guide potential renters by offering them options based on the information they provide. For example, if they mention having kids or needing a certain number of bedrooms, you can point out properties that meet those criteria without suggesting which one they should rent.

Why is it important to avoid telling renters which property they should choose?

It's important to avoid telling renters which property to choose because doing so can lead to legal liabilities, especially if you are seen as steering them based on personal characteristics, which can be a violation of fair housing laws.

Can you provide renters with all available properties?

No, you don’t have to provide every available property. You only need to inform them about those that fit their specific needs, based on the information they give you.

What can be said to a renter who has specific requirements?

You can say something like, 'You mentioned you need two bedrooms. We have a two-bedroom property here,' but you cannot tell them that they should choose that property over others.

How does this process protect the renter?

By offering options without directing them to a specific property, the renter has the freedom to make their own decision, ensuring they are not unfairly influenced or restricted by the rental agent's personal preferences.

What are the risks of providing specific property recommendations?

The risks include legal repercussions for steering tenants to specific properties, which can lead to violations of fair housing laws and result in fines or other legal actions.

Why is it necessary to 'let them make the decision' when renting?

Allowing renters to make their own decisions ensures that you are not violating any fair housing regulations or inadvertently discriminating against any group. It also helps maintain transparency and fairness in the rental process.

Can you ever suggest a property based on the renter’s needs?

You can suggest properties based on the renter’s stated needs, but you cannot say that one particular property is the best choice. You can only give options that match their criteria.

What is the difference between providing options and 'telling' a renter which property to choose?

Providing options means presenting different properties that meet the renter's needs, allowing them to choose. Telling a renter which property to choose crosses the line into steering, which is illegal and could lead to liability.